. , 5? DR. WILMER'S LOVE; OB, A QUESTION OF CONSCIENCE. A NO VEL. BY MARGARET LEE, AUTHOE OP "ARNOLD'S CHOICE.' NEW YORK : D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, 443 & 445 BROADWAY. 1808. ENTERED, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1807, by D. APPLETON & CO., In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. CONTENTS. FAGB CHAP. I. IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ARE AWAKENED, ... 6 II. IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ARE STRENGTHENED, . 20 III. IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ARE CONFIRMED, . . .48 IV. IN WHICH MRS. FERRIS MAKES A MOTE, ... 78 V. IN WHICH I MEET A RlTAL, 10-t VI. AN UNEXPECTED GUEST, . .... 136 VII. DEFEAT, 169 Vin. THREE YEARS AFTER, 196 IX. A DINNER-PARTY, 223 X. A TALK WITH MR. MASTERS, 239 XL IN WHICH THE FIRST LINK OF A CURIOUS CHAIN is FORGED, 262 XII. THE CHAIN is LENGTHENED, 285 XIII. ANOTHER LINK, AND AN OLD FRIEND, .... 305 XIV. BETWEEN THE RIFLE-PITS AT FREDERICKSBURG, . . 335 XV. IN THE FIELD-HOSPITAL AT GETTYSBURG, . . . 356 XVI. How THE LINKS WERE JOINED, .... 875 XVII. THE QUESTION ANSWERED, 397 DR. WILMER'S LOVE; OR, A QUESTION" OF CONSCIENCE CHAPTER I. IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ABE AWAKENED. ONE cold evening in winter, I was sitting in my little office, idly pondering over my life, weighing its prospects, and wondering how I should support its necessities. Considering my present position, the ques- tion was growing rather serious. Here was I, John Wilrner, tall, strong, and twenty-eight years of age, with my doctor's diploma framed, and hanging over the fireplace, just where my eyes could rest on it, with the least upward movement of my head. I had studied and toiled hard for that diploma, dreamed of it at night, thought of it by day; and now that it was mine, honestly won, it somehow had not the power of raising my spirits, or nerving me with fresh courage. In fact, I had not a cent in my pocket or out of it. I owed the landlady and the washerwoman, and my 6 DE. WILMEK'S LOVE. tailor had long ceased dunning me, finding of how little use it was. For the first time, since starting in my career as a doctor, I thought of writing to my mother, and asking her to advance me a small loan. Pride, and the knowledge that the loss of even a trifling sum would deprive her of many little comforts, had, so far, prevented me from doing it. Thus, I was sitting, gloomily meditating over ways and means, when a loud peal at my bell made me start from my chair, with a slight hope that this might be a case where I could conscientiously ask a fee, in proportion to the skill and care expended. Hitherto my patients had not been of the paying class ; poor and miserable in the majority, their cases had drawn heavily on my skill, and added materially to my practical medical education ; but pro- portionate charges were out of the question. While this wild hope was passing through my brain, I was making my way to the door. I opened it, and a man sprang in hastily, calling out " Are you the doctor ? " " Yes, I am Doctor Wilmer." "The master is dying, and Doctor (naming a celebrated physician of the day) is out of town. The mistress told me to bring ike first I came to." While he was speaking, I put on my overcoat and hat, and we started together for the place. It was a fine house, situated in one of the most aristocratic streets in New York. The hall-door was opened noise- lessly by a servant, who had been evidently on the IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ABE AWAKENED. 7 watch for us, and she showed me, at once, into a hand- some room on the second floor. The door leading into the adjoining apartment was open, and I heard a sound of heavy and labored breathing, coming from it. The servant went in to announce my arrival, and returned in a moment, fol- lowed by a magnificent-looking woman, of perhaps twenty-six years. " You are a physician ? " she inquired. " I am," I answered. "My husband is very low. He is suffering from disease of the heart, and our regular physician has been unexpectedly called away from the city. Have you confidence enough in yourself to undertake the respon- sibility of such a case ? " " I have had many such cases in my practice," I re- plied, "and have been in most of them very successful." "You are so young-looking," she remarked, glan- cing at me from head to foot. " I have practised seven years, part of the time with the gentleman whom your servant named as being your family physician." She stood for a moment or two, thinking, and then motioned me to follow her into the sick man's room. I was surprised to find in the invalid a man ap- proaching sixty years. He was propped up in bed with pillows; and in spite of the suffering he was under- going, his eyes were clear and bright, giving evidence th-it the intellect was not yet weakened. He threw me 8 DB. WILMEE'S LOVE. a searching glance as I entered, smiled faintly, and put out his hand, which I took in mine. He was ap- parently conscious that his time was short, and was collecting all his remaining strength for the perform- ance of^one last object. I took a seat beside the bed, to which he pointed, and prepared a medicine calculated to relieve him a little. It was very successful in its effect; when he spoke, his voice was full and distinct. " Matilda, send for Masters and Mr. Parker, I must see them now, while I have strength spared to me." His wife left the room. While she was gone, I raised the dying man, placed him in a more comfort- able position, and gave him some of the soothing medi- cine. There was that in his whole manner and appear- ance that attracted me irresistibly, although I had never before seen him, anrd was ignorant of even his name. His wife returned after a little while, and took her accustomed seat by his side. She had called him her husband, but for that I should have supposed him to be her father. While we awaited the arrival of the two men whom he had asked to see, I sat weaving in my brain odd fancies connected with this strangely con- trasted husband and wife. He was dark, and decidedly old for his years, with a likeable face and gentle expression, in spite of his sickness. There was something in the eyes that de- noted truth and goodness, something open and fearless, as if his conscience was clear and easy, as if he had m wmcn MY SUSPICIONS ARE AWAKENED. nothing to dread, nothing to regret, now that his last hour was drawing near. She was a blonde, with a profusion of light hair, most becomingly arranged, with handsome features, and a bright color in her cheeks. Her figure Was ele- gant and most graceful, with the heavy folds of her dress, a rich dark-blue silk falling from the rounded waist, and sweeping the floor at my feet. Her neck and arms were shaded with costly lace, and the hand, which the dying man held in his, was like wax, soft and white, and covered with rings, the lights from whose diamond centres flashed in my eyes where I sat. The room was in keeping with her appearance, from the carpet that felt like moss under my feet, to the elab- orate toilet set, shining on the distant bureau. Luxury and refinement, blended in harmony, spoke from eveiy thing surrounding her. In spite of all her fascinations I took a dislike to her, while I sat, watching with her, the last hours of her dying husband. I caught a look that she fixed on him, while he lay with closed eyes, breathing heavily. There was something almost indescribable in that glance. There were mingled in it coldness, calculation, and dis- like. "While apparently performing the part of a de- voted, loving wife, this woman's heart had nothing whatever to do with her outward actions. A moment after, she turned her eyes on me, and the aversion was increased. They were large, full, and calculating; in 1* 10 DR. WILMEE'S LOVE. color, a bright blue ; without real softness, and possess- ing very little depth. I have a queer liking for examining eyes ; I always look at them first, and I judge from them a great deal what the true character may be. To me they are the most expressive feature of the face. We sat for nearly an hour, watching without speak- ing, and the old man lay with a patient expression in his face, waiting and collecting his strength. At last came a slight rustle, and the servant ushered in two gentlemen. They advanced toward the bed, and pressed the invalid's hands in theirs, while asking how he felt in subdued, earnest tones. One of these men was probably fifty years of age, with keen, bright gray eyes, white hair, and a kindly look in his face. The other was a dark, powerful-looking man, in the prime of life, with brilliant black eyes, and heavy beard and mustache. For the few minutes that they stood quiet near their dying friend, waiting to hear his wishes, I no- ticed that the younger one kept his eyes on the wife's face, as if determined on reading her thoughts. She had merely acknowledged their bows on entering, and was sitting as before, her hand within reach of her hus- o * band's. He was looking from one to. another of the group now, and breathing with great difficulty. I raised him again* and he thanked me with his patient smile. " Shall I leave the room ? " I asked. IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ARE AWAKENED. 11 "No, no," he answered. "Stay near me; you re- lieve me very much." I resumed my seat. He turned to his wife. "Matilda, my will I want to hear it read over again." His wife rose, and, taking some keys from under his pillow, walked toward a small safe placed at one end of the room. She unlocked it, and returned, with the paper in her hand. "Read it to me, Joe," said the invalid in a faint voice. The older man of the two opened the paper, and read it aloud, in a distinct, slow tone, as if wishing all the hearers to weigh well the meaning of it. I could recall the words, as they fell on my ears, in whole sen- tences, for months after. It was short and decisive ; I understood the whole substance of it, though not very well versed, at that time, in legal terms. The first sen- tence, " I, Arthur Ferris," revealed to me the name of my patient. The property, which involved a large amount of real estate and stocks, was to be disposed of in this way: After some very liberal donations to charitable institutions, and some trifling legacies to old friends and servants, the bulk of it was to be equally divided between his wife Matilda and his daughter Arabella Ferris. Should his wife die before his daugh- ter, the wife's share would revert to the daughter. On the other hand, should the daughter die first, unmarried, her half would go to the wife. The child was to remain 12 DR. WILMEK'S LOVE. under the guardianship of her step-mother, Matilda Fer- ris, who was also appointed co-trustee of her property with Joseph Masters and William Parker. In case of the death of Mrs. Ferris, the daughter was to reside with an aunt, h"er dead mother's eldest sister. At twenty, she would be of age, with full power over the interest of her money, and at liberty to marry whom she pleased. The principal was to remain under the control of the trustees chosen by her* father (they having, in turn, the right to appoint successors to their trust), to be invested for her benefit, and that of her heirs, until she should reach the age of thirty-five, at which time she would take complete possession of it all. Tne executors were Joseph Masters and William Parker. The will being read, Mr. Ferris expressed himself satisfied with it, and, after a few minutes, asked to see his child. " She is asleep," answered Mrs. Ferris. "Then waken her, Matilda; she will not have her old father very long." Mrs. Ferns left the room, and Mr. Parker walked after her. A short time passed, and then a woman-ser- vant appeared at the door, holding by the hand a slight, pretty child, about eleven years of age. She quickly unclasped the detaining hand as she caught sight of her father's face, and with a low cry of joy she sprang into his extended arms, and laid her head softly on his breast. IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AKE AWAKENED. 13 " Oh, papa ! I have not seen you for so very long. May I stay with you now ? " " Yes, little one, for a short time. Papa is very sick." The child raised her head, looked in her father's face, and kissed him passionately, then she hid her own again, only murmuring, " Papa, papa," as if conscious of what was coming so very fast. Mrs. Ferris returned. " Belle, you will hurt papa, lying in that way on his breast. It prevents him breathing freely." She spoke sharply, and stretched out her hand to re- move the child from her place. The little girl shuddered, and only clasped -her arms still tighter around her father's neck. " Let her alone, Matilda, it is for the last time," Mr. Fen-is said with increasing difficulty. Then he turned his eyes, growing dim so fast, on the bright little face raised to his in awe-struck silence. "Kiss papa, dar- ling, kiss me good-night. Perhaps I shall be better in the morning." The little creature obeyed him, and, seeing how weak he was becoming, I lifted her in my arms and carried her into the adjoining room, where I placed her in the nurse's care, and then hurried back to my patient. He was sinking rapidly. Mr. Masters held one of his hands, and watched his struggles with a womanly tenderness of look and manner, while restraining with difficulty his own sorrowful emotions. Mr. Parker was supporting him on the other side. His wife had thrown 14: DE. WILMEK'S LOVE. herself into a low chair, and covered her face with her handkerchief. In a few moments all was over; and hav- ing performed the few duties remaining to me, I left the house, and returned to my desolate room. The fire had gone out in my absence, it was cold and gloomy, and the furniture looked older and shabbier than ever. The contrast between it and the one*I had just quitted struck me forcibly. Though accustomed to look on death, under cir- cumstances much more saddening than in this case, the impression left on my mind was of such a nature, that I could not sleep for hours after lying down ; but instead, my busy brain wove long imaginary romances, founded on the strange will, and the people it affected. Even in ray dreams the scenes of the night before repeat- ed themselves, until at last I was glad to rise and go out in the cool morning air, to shake off their gloomy effect. I attended the funeral some day after, and met there my old friend, the family physician. He told me a few things about Mr. Ferns that greatly interested me. He had married, rather late in life, a very beautiful woman, to whom he was passionately attached. She lived only a few years, and died, leaving him with one child, the little girl Arabella. Afterward, he married the half- sister of his first wife, the lady whom I had met on the night of his death. . "She is certainly very beautiful," remarked my friend. " But the first Mrs. Ferris was a far superior woman." IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AKE AWAKENED. 15 I also renewed my acquaintance with little Miss Ferris on that day. She came over to me of her own ac- cord, from a distant part of the room, and held out her hand timidly, as if half afraid of a disapproving glance for her temerity. I Avas surprised at her remembering me, but she told me that she knew my eyes ; a remark that made me look at*hers, and they were well worth the trouble large, soft, deep-brown ones, with a sad expres- sion in them already. When I went home, I had to ex- amine my own in the glass, to see if there was any thing very remarkable about them, but I could not discover it. I received a check for my medical services rendered to Mr. Ferris, that surprised me by its amount, and not only paid all my debts, but left me a little balance to go on with again. Two weeks after, I heard of an opening in Buffalo, that promised well to an energetic young man, and I secured it. I sold my practice in New York to a fellow- student, and having packed my trunk, and left it to be sent after me, I started, valise in hand, to walk to the Albany boat, in order to take a farewell glance at Broad- way. While about to cross a side-street, I came face to face with Mrs. Ferris and her little step-daughter, seated in a low carriage. . The horses were going at a slow pace, and I had time to take a long look at them. Mrs. Ferris was quite bewitching, in her becoming widow's cap and strings, and heavy crape veil. Miss Ferris had a subdued, mournful look about her, and her black 16 DE. WILMEE'S LOVE. clothes served to make still paler her small, colorless face. I was nearly past her, when she looked up and recog- nized me with a bright smile. That smile danced before my eyes and lightened my cares for many days after, coming as it did from the warm heart and artless face of an innocent child. I Avas a lonely sort of fellow anyhow. My dear mother, and my only sister, lived together in a quiet little village near Albany. They had just enough to sup- port themselves comfortably. When I felt fagged out, I would run up to them for a few days, to be petted, and made much of; after which, I could return with fresh courage, to my old, dull routine of city work. My sister was some years older than I, and very fond of me. So it happened, that I never knew what it was to need a woman's love and care until I was alone in New York, struggling with others on the road to fame and fortune. If I ever had indulged in day-dreams, of a little home of my own, and a bright face watching for me at its window, reflection taught me that for some years at least, such a piece of happiness was quite impossible. So I coura- geously refused all offers of introduction to nice young girls, with or without rich papas. If a girl were good and pretty, and without money, what right would I have to gain her love, and then bind her to a long en- gagement, while I should earn the means necessary for her support ? If she were rich, the stronger reason why I should keep my distance. I had heard too much of poor young doctors hunting for rteh wives. IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AEE AWAKENED. 17 The result was, that when I quitted New York, to seek for wealth and fame in a new field of action, the only friends I left behind me were my old fellow-stu- dents, several of whom promised to keep me informed of matters in the city, how they progressed and how they retrograded. As I jumped on board the boat, I came near knocking into the water an old gentleman, who was standing on the plank, exchanging some words with a lady on the pier. Turning to apologize, I recognized Mr. Masters. He was on his way to the western part of the State, to transact some business connected with the affairs of the late Mr. Ferris. After supper, we sat for a long time on deck, discussing various subjects, among the rest Mrs. Ferris. It struck me that my companion had not a very high opinion of her. " She is remarkably handsome," I observed. "Yes, and confoundedly smart," was the answer. My companion was smoking, a recreation I did not join him in, for two very good reasons: the first being, that I disliked tobacco in every form ; and the second, that if I had cared for it, I had not the money to indulge the taste. " Did you notice the wording of the will ? " asked my companion, after puffing away for some time in a moody, meditative manner. " Yes, I think I understood it, although I arn not what you call up in law." " Oh ! it's plain enough ,' she would have it so. It is 18 DE. WILMEE'S LOVE. all her composition, though she has no idea that I see through her so clearly. .She chose Parker for one of the executors. It was very foolish of poor Ferris to give in to her as he did. She has the child completely in her power, and Parker is her adviser. I only wonder now that my poor friend had firmness enough to hold out for me. She strongly opposed niy being named as either executor or co-trustee." " You think that she don't like you ? " I remarked. "I don't think any thing about it, I know it. Her acting deceived poor Ferris, it never did me for one moment. He died in th'e firm belief that she loved his child, and was devotedly fond of him. I know that she married him for his money and position, and that she dislikes the little girl heartily. You see, she was his first wife's half-sister, and considerably younger. She was always spending weeks and months at their house, and managed to understand the old man's dis- position exactly. Then, when poor Mrs. Ferris (who really was a fine woman) died, she played a very good game. She nursed and petted the child, called it the most endearing names, sympathized with the father, and never ceased till she married him, and got possession of a handsome house and unlimited money." " Did she make him happy ? " I inquired. "Yes, she certainly did. She played her cards well. I have to thank her for making the last years of his life pleasant to him. Still, I know the motive. She takes half his money the child* is delicate, and I believe IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AEE AWAKENED. 19 very sensitive. There is a chance of the other half too." " Perhaps you are hard on her. She is almost too young to be so very cunning." " Dr. "Wilmer, did you look well at her eyes ? " The old gentleman turned as he spoke, and looked me straight in the face. " I certainly did not admire them, though they are beautiful in shape and color." " Exactly. Think of the expression of them. I tell you, Wilmer, that woman is capable of any thing. She would sell her soul for money." " You will have to watch her closely." " Yes, but you see my hands are tied. Parker is her friend, and I grow older every day. It will be two young heads and two unscrupulous minds against one old man. I can't match them in cunning, whatever I might do as regards honesty." " Right and truth generally succeed in the end," I said. " You must hope for the best." "And expect the worst," was the old gentleman's answer. We travelled together as far as Syracuse, where we parted, with warm feelings on both sides, and I pursued my way alone to Buffalo. CHAPTER H. IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AKE STRENGTHENED. FOB some years I labored steadily at my profession in Buffalo. I found the opening, if any thing, better than ithad been represented to me. I became attached to the place, its people, and my fellow-workers there. My health was good, my practice rapidly increasing and remunerative. My only vacations had been of two or three weeks in length, at long intervals. Then, confiding my patients to skilful hands, and leaving all cares behind me, I had gone East, for a visit to my mother and sister. Once I had extended my trip to Kew York, but my old friends were scattered ; some had gone South, others West; the old associations were weakened, and my pleasant recollections soon dispelled. I met crowds of people at every turn, but the faces were all strange ones ; I had no interest nor concern in any of the things that engrossed their thought and time, and I found myself wondering what I ever had seen to admire or care for in the noisy, crowded metropolis. IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ABE STRENGTHENED. 21 I inquired for the celebrated physician under whom I had studied. He was dead some years. I walked past the house where Mr. Ferris died, recalling as I did so the scenes of that night, and the curious speculations to which they had given rise. Passing down Broadway, the sight of an old sign on the corner of a street brought back vividly to my mind the remembrance of a low carriage, with two figures in it, and a bright smile on a childish face. I asked myself what had become of that child. Most probably she -was at some fashionable school, preparing to create a sensation in society with her beauty and knowledge. I thought of calling on Mr. Masters but gave up the idea the next m%nent. What were Mrs. Ferris and her affairs to me ? Thus six years rolled away. One sultry afternoon in September I drew up my horse at my own door, gave the reins to my servant, sought my comfortable arm- chair in the office, and threw myself back in it with a long-drawn sigh of relief. It had been a sickly summer, and I was worn out, not having taken a day's rest all through the warm, unhealthy months just passed. Lat- terly I had been making up my mind to urge my moth- er and sister to give up their own old house, and take charge of mine. For some reasons I hesitated about making the request. Buffalo was not, on the Avholc, as healthy a place as the one in which they were settled. Breaking up the old home and its associations might in- jure my mother's health and spirits; so I still debated the point with myself, not arriving at any conclusion. .22 DE. -WILMEB'S LOVE. Every little while my sister would ask me the same ques- tion in her letters. " John, why don't you marry ? " and whenever we met, I always heard a discourse from both mother and sister on the same subject of interest. My answer was invariably the same " The older I grow the harder I am to please," which answer only brought down on my devoted head another lecture, the chief point in which was, the self-conceit of men, and their growing indifference to the charms of married life. I had arrived at the dignity of a neat little house of my own, well furnished, and all paid for. Lying back in my easy-chair, I threw a glance of satisfaction around me, not unmixed with some pride, for I had worked hard for the comforts that I enjoyed so much. My housekeeper, coming in with a long broom and duster, gave me a Searching glance from under the bor- der of her cap, leaned her hands on the table, and thus addressed me : "Dr. Wilmer, you're as white as a sheet. There's three names on the slate ; every one of them wants you first ; and if you don't get some one to attend to your business, and leave the city for a month, it's my opinion that you'll soon be sending after a doctor for yourself." She then put the slate before me with a loud bang, and catching up her house-cleaning implements went into the next room, where I heard her, a moment after, expend- ing her disgust with me, by ploughing up the dust from the carpet. Having refreshed myself with some sandwiches and IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AEE STRENGTHENED. 23 wine, I left the house again, to attend to my duties ; but coming home, I determined to follow Mrs. Marks' advice, and therefore stopped in at the house of one of my med- ical brethren, to make the necessary arrangements for an absence of a month. That done, I went home and informed the worthy woman that I was going to Niagara for some time, that I would start the next morning, and that I wanted my valise packed. Having astonished her by this, address, I went to bed without waiting for her approval of it, feeling better already for my deter- mination. I dreamt all night of catching fish so enor- mous that I could not pull them in, and of bringing down birds as large as turkeys. Remembering my vis- ions, I supplied myself next day with apparatus for fish- ing and hunting, and took my departure for Niagara in fine spirits. On arriving there, I engaged a room at the Cataract House, deposited my extra luggage in it, and with a light heart and easy mind started out to explore the curiosi- ties around me. I was returning late in the afternoon, having penetrated to the cave of ^Eolus, with the sound of the rushing waters still in my ears, when my atten- tion was attracted by two persons on the road some yards in front of me. They were both females, one tall and strong in appearance, the other slight and frail-looking. As I neared them, I found that the larger one of the two was talking in a loud angry voice, and that the other was sobbing as if frightened. 24: DK. WILMER'S LOVE. Just at the moment that I passed them, the tall wo- man caught the other by the shoulders and shook her most violently, stopping her in the path as she did so. I glanced at them in turn. Something in both faces struck me as being familiar. The tall woman was decid- edly a servant of the better class, well dressed and self- sufficient ; the other a delicate girl, a lady in birth and appearance, beyond a doubt. The older woman never noticed me ; the younger threw me a look sorrowful and supplicating as I hurried past. Where had I seen those two faces before? Where had I met those soft eyes, so mournful in their expression, so lovely in their depth ? All at once I stood still in the path, and uttered a cry of surprise. It had all flashed upon me in a second. The eyes were those of Arabella Ferris, and the woman was the servant who had brought her into the room the night of her father's death. Shocked at my discovery, I sat down on a piece of rock in the path, and awaited their reappearance. I had no fear of their recognizing me ; in the six: years that had gone by I had grown stouter, and my heavy beard and mustache completely hid the lower part of my face. I had passed intimate friends without being known ; there was little danger of it here. In a few minutes they came up the road toward me, and I noted all I could in the short time given me. Miss Ferris was plainly, but well dressed. Alas ! it was not her dress that struck me ; but her face, that sent a cold chill to my heart. There was a look in it which IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ARE STRENGTHENED. 25 conveyed the impression that the mind was unsound ; a curious, -inexplicable expression, a mixture of vacancy and wildness. " Great Heaven ! " I exclaimed to myself. " What have they done to her ? " With the thought came the determination to find out the mystery, and, grasping my walking-stick firmly, I rose and followed the retreating figures. What was my surprise, as I walked along, to find them bound for the same destination as myself! They entered the house before me, and disappeared through the door of a room on the second floor, the one next to my own. The gong was sounding for dinner, and I don't think I ever made a more rapid toilet in my life. I succeeded admirably, and having learned from a waiter where JMiss Ferris usually sat at her meals, I obtained a place from which I could observe all that passed at the table. I was just seated when the party entered the room. Mrs. Ferris was dressed in the deepest and costliest mourning, and looked, if any thing, handsomer than ever. I should have known her anywhere, but though she caught my eye observing her, there was no answer- ing recognition in the careless glance that she bestowed on me. She had only seen me that one night six years before ;. we did not meet at the funeral ; and she had probably forgotten my name, too, which was all the better for my plan. She swept with a stately step down the long dining- 2 26 DK. WILMEK'S LOTE. room, followed by glances of admiration from all sides. Miss Ferris, also in black, walked in a slow, hesitating way, beside the stout servant whom I had seen with her before that day. The woman took her place near her, as soon as she was seated, and waited on her with a show of attention and fond care that never deceived me for one instant. That this was a scene, necessary to be acted out, in the deep game that this woman was play- ing, I did not doubt. It was with difficulty, and only in view of the after consequences, that I controlled myself from breaking out on them, then and there. Such a sight for a room full of eager watchers to gaze upon ! The girl, or rather child, for she was one in manners, seemed totally ignorant of any thing that could be called table etiquette. She pulled the meat apart with her fingers, and ate with them, regardless of knife and fork. Any thing that did not suit her was pushed away, half across the table, with a gesture of contempt rather than anger. If asked, I should have said that she was under the influence of some drug or stimulant. She seemed almost unconscious of what she was doin^, O 7 and there was something unearthly in her decided beauty. Her cheeks were flushed to deep crimson, and there was an unnatural, fearful brilliancy in her large dark eyes, once so soft and serene in their expression. Her delicate features were sharp and attenuated, as if by much suffering ; her form possessed none of the usual roundness of youth ; it was thin and bent, and so weak, IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ABE STRENGTHENED. 27 that her little hands trembled visibly, owing to her painful nervousness. " What a wreck of physical beauty ! " I heard a gentleman observe to a lady beside him. As the meal progressed, the nurse appeared to be endeavoring to restrain her, while Mrs. Ferris wore a look of sad sympathy and despairing love. I noticed, however, that her grief did not prevent her from en- joying a hearty dinner. Now and then, a glance tow- ard Mrs. Ferris from the dark, wild eyes, rather indi- cated that there was method in all this madness such a look of despair, mingled with a restless gaze at the doors and windows, as if she were meditating an escape from this fond mother, and her loving care. At last the strange dinner-scene came to an end, and the party rose and left the table as they had entered the room. As I walked out, the waiter remarked to me, looking after the trio, and tapping his forehead, " She is totally gone, a perfect idiot." I shivered at the look and the words. Mrs. Ferris was accomplishing her object. The present perform- ance was to make the world believe that the girl was insane. What would be the next move ? The child did not look as if this struggle could last very long. Her constitution, naturally frail, was undermined. The physical and mental forces were being slowly and surely sapped. " What will be the end ? " I asked myself, as I slowly walked up and down my room. Should I write to Mr. Masters? Reason told me it 28 - DE. WILMEB'S LOVE. would be to no purpose. He was powerless under the provisions of the will. What could be done? What could we prove ? Nothing. There was no proof of ill- treatment on the part of Mrs. Ferris, and there was no legal way of taking the girl out of her custody. The servant was, no doubt a well-paid sharer of her mis- tress's confidence. The debating of these points in my mind made me unconscious of the time slipping away ; and when, at last, I looked at my watch, I saw that it was too late to carry out the plan that I had laid for my afternoon's amusement. I opened my valise, and was busy with my flies and hooks, when voices, rising in anger, reached me from the adjoining room. Two were loud and threatening, the third low and deprecating. At last there came a smothered cry, followed by a sound of heavy blows, falling rapidly. I started to my feet and ran to the door of the next room. The handle of it was in my hand, when again strong reason came to my aid. To make a scene at that time would do no permanent good, and might prevent its possibility forever. The rooms were situated at the end of a long corri- dor ; no one had been attracted by the noise, so I went back to my own, and listened with a swelling heart to the low moans caused by bodily and mental suffering. A short time after a firm heavy step came along the hall, and a gentleman opened my door, and put in his head. "Excuse me," said he. "I mistook the room; it is the next one, I think." IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AEE STRENGTHENED. 29 . " All right," I exclaimed, looking up hastily. The moment after, I heard him at the other door, asking for Mrs. Ferris. I often feel thankful for my strong recollection of names and faces. This gentleman was no less a per- sonage than Mr. William Parker, co-trustee of Miss Ferris, and one of the executors of her father's will. " The plot thickens," I said to myself, and, taking my hat in ruy hand, I sauntered out of my room and down the corridor. Sure enough, there they stood to- gether, in the window at the far end of it, so closely en- gaged in conversation, that I passed them unobserved, though not so indifferent myself to them. He had his arm around her waist, half supporting her, while to- gether they no doubt planned the next move on the board. At supper he attended her to the table. Miss Ferris did not appear ; but Mrs. Ferris called for a tray, and prepared with her own hands, and to the admira- tion of the lookers-on, a sumptuous supper for her afflict- ed child, which was carried to her room by one of the waiters. As the nurse was up there in charge, I could guess who ate it. Afterward, passing through the parlor, I saw the pair seated on a sofa. She was fanning herself, and talking to him gayly. " "Whatever share of heart she possesses," I thought, "is his decidedly. She loves him as mucli as she is capable of loving any one." "What a splendid-looking couple!" I heard some 30 DR. WILMEE'S LOVE. one remark, in reference to them, as I passed up the stairs. The next morning Mr. Parker escorted Mi's. Ferris to the breakfast-table. She looked still more beautiful in her elaborate white dress. The young lady did not appear. The same farce of sending her a nice meal was acted over again. I swallowed mine, hardly conscious of what I was eating, and, leaving them still at the table, went to my own room. I listened for a while, but could hear nothing going on in the next apartment; probably the poor girl was asleep, free for a short time from her troubles and misery. At last I took my guide-book and a stout stick, and left my room, on the way to explore further the beau- ties of the surrounding country. I passed Mr. Parker and Mrs. Ferris, strolling together up and down the long corridor. What would I have given to know the plans they were discussing so eagerly ! I caught one sentence, as I passed, that fell from Mrs. Ferris's lips : " We can stay in Europe two years." I repeated this over and over to myself, as I ran down the stairs and out into the road. There was a meaning in that sentence, what was it ? Pondering this question in my mind, I reached Goat Island, and spent an hour there, the only person on it, as far as I could see. Stretched on the grass, my face to the vast sheet of foaming, rushing water, and hidden by a rock from the notice of any one who might cross the bridge, I lay, IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ABE STRENGTHENED. 31 cnjoyiug to" the fullest extent the sublime works of Na- ture surrounding me on every side. A delicious sense of rest came over me, caused by the sweet fresh air, the singing and chirping of the birds, the perfume of the wild flowers bending around me in rich profusion, and the exquisite September coloring of the scenery. From this state of repose I was suddenly aroused by hearing a voice exclaiming in a wild, shrieking tone " I wish I were dead ! " " I wish you were, with all my heart ; you're nothing but a torment to yourself, arid every one around you ! " answered a coarse, rude voice. A scream and a struggle made me spring to my feet, only to see a slight, agile form, with outstretched arms, flying toward the rushing rapids. The woman stood as if petrified. I sprang to intercept the desperate girl. She had reached to within a few feet of the edge of the bank, when her foot caught in an old root standing up from the ground, and she fell heavily, striking her head against a stone that lay in the water. I raised her with some difficulty, for she was partly in the water, and I was afraid of hurting her. She was insensible from the contusion on her head, and I feared that she was other- wise injured. I laid the pale, worn face against my breast, and, dipping my handkerchief in the cool water, placed it on her head, trying to restore her to conscious- ness. The woman stood by, looking at me, but not at- tempting to offer any assistance. There was a sati>lii'l 32 DE. WILMEB'S LOVE. expression on her face, which changed to dne of vexa- tion as the poor child opened her eyes and stared wild- ly around her. " Where am I ? " she asked, gazing at me wearily. Before I could answer, the woman replied roughly : "Just wait till I tell your mother what you've been up to." The young girl shivered from head to foot. " You have had a bad fall," I said gently, " but you will soon recover." , She shivered again and looked about her, as if medi- tating another attempt on her own life. " Come, Miss Ferris, get up ; you'd better come home and put on dry clothes before your mother sees you," said the servant in a soothing tone. She was recollect- ing herself. I lifted the young lady to her feet, but she tottered, and would have fallen, had I not put my arm around her. "I am afraid she has hurt herself very badly," I said to the nurse. " We must carry her to the hotel." "I am sure you are very kind, sir," she answered in a smooth, servile tone. " Mrs. Ferris will be obliged to you, for she dotes on the child, though indeed she is nothing but a trouble to her. She is out of her mind, sir, entirely." Miss Ferris seemed quite indifferent to this speech. She was leaning heavily on iny arm, her eyes closed as if in pain. IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AKE STRENGTHENED. 33 " Try and walk a little," the woman went on, turn- ing to her and taking her by the arm as she spoke. "I can't, Susan, my side hurts me so much," was the answer in a low weak voice. The wild fit was over ; Miss Ferris was suffering terribly from the effects of hep fall. I lifted her in my arms, and after frequent rests we reached the hotel. Miss Ferris did not speak on the way; now and then a low moan would escape her, and several times I observed her looking fixedly at my face, a troubled eager expression in her eyes. The servant walked along by my side, not volun- teering any remark, and I shrank from exhibiting any curiosity by asking questions. She looked gloomy and cross, and I was afraid of exciting her anger against the helpless creature that I was carrying. On arriving at the house, we found that Mrs. Ferris was out riding, and so I carried her daughter up-stairs and laid her on the sofa in her own room. " I am a doctor," I said to the nurse, " and if you should require me, I am in the next room ; at present you had better put her in bed, and keep wet linen on her forehead." Going into my own apartment, I made up my mind that the servant would not have been very . sorry if Miss Ferris had succeeded in her design. I began to think that I was fated to be in some way connected with the strange family so curiously met six years before. If they should need my further services, I thought it would never do to tell them my real name ; 2* 34: DE. WILMER'S LOVE. it might bring me to their recollection; then, again, I determined to risk it they might never have heard it. I was roused from this reverie by the sound of horses' feet, and a light laugh floating in through the open window. Mr. Parker and Mrs. Ferris had been taking a ride that fine morning, and were just returned. Soon after she passed my door, her habit gathered up in one hand and her whip in the other. In her room I heard a low hum of voices a history, no doubt, of the morning's adventure. I was dressed for dinner, when a waiter brought me up a note. " Mrs. Ferris will be happy to meet in the parlor, before dinner, the gentleman who so kindly rescued her daughter this morning." On going down, she was standing waiting for me, in a very pretty attitude, which displayed to much ad- vantage her fine figure. I bowed, and announced my- self, " Dr. Wilmer, of Buffalo." She took no notice of the name, but asked me my opinion of her daughter's state of health. If I had not been prepared for her, she would have won me over in ten minutes, a firm believer in her statement; as it was, I had to admire the hy- pocrisy and cunning she exhibited. I felt like applaud- ing, as we do when we see some fine piece of acting on the stage. Her poor little Belle had lost her reason partially, owing to a terrible attack of scarlet fever. " What age was she at that time ? " I asked. "She was not quite six," was the answer, so ready, IN WniCH MY SUSPICIONS AEE STRENGTHENED. 35 that it was evident her whole story was one well studied for strangers' ears. She thanked me over and over again for what I had done that morning, saying, with tears in her eyes, that her heart was bound up ia her child, weak-minded as she was. Then she sounded me on another point. " Would you advise me to place her in a private asylum ? " " Not at all," I answered, " as long as she is quiet and harmless." " I have been urged to do it by a number of my friends, and so far I have shrunk from it as being a last resource. But you see, doctor, when what occurred this morning may be repeated" (here she shuddered) " any time, what am I to do ? She never made an at- tempt to destroy herself before, but this has terrified me. There are so many ways by which she could ac- complish it, and then I am obliged to be in constant communication with our family physician about her treatment. He insists on country air, and I have been travelling Avith her all summer." " Does he consider her incurable ? " I asked. " Yes," she sighed, raising her handkerchief to her eyes. " Have you every confidence in his skill ? " I inquired, determined to sound her in turn. "Most entire confidence," was the answer. "Put- ting aside his long experience in such cases, he has attended her all her life, and is quite interested in her; besides, he understands her constitution perfectly." 36 DR. WILMEE'S LOVE. I was not prepared for this last falsehood ; of course the wonderful family physician was a myth, a creature of the imagination, an organ very largely developed in Mrs. Ferris's head. " Of course," I said, rising, " in that case I would not interfere ; if you were without medical advice, I should gladly undertake the charge, but " " But, doctor," she interposed, " you forget that the circumstance of this morning makes it necessary for me to have some one here to advise with, and of course I could not expect him to leave his duties for her sake. If you will undertake to attend her, in case any thing dangerous should result from this fall, until I am able to hear from our regular physician, I shall be satisfied." "It is a responsibility, but I am willing to remain at your service, if necessary," I answered. " You will remember, however," she remarked, with a curious expression in her face, "that it is only her physical health you will have to do with ; her mental condition must remain under the charge of the gentle- man whom I have already mentioned." She bowed gracefully, and left the room. I took my accustomed seat at dinner, and watched her and her friend Mr. Parker as narrowly as good-breeding would permit ; perhaps I did overstep the bounds, but my sus- picions must excuse me. Afterward I was introduced to him in the parlor, and then, satisfied that there had been no recognition on his part, I went up to my room to await events. I read for some hours, trying with all IN WniCH MY SUSPICIONS AEE STRENGTHENED. 37 my strength to concentrate my thoughts on the subject before me, a work which was at first very difficult to succeed in, for my ideas would wander off in the direc- tion of Miss Ferris and her guardian, and I would dis- cover my book before me, at an angle of forty-five de- grees, and my eyes gazing upward, seeing nothing. At last, just as I had succeeded in comprehending one page of the book, a tap came on the door, and opening it, I saw Susan, the nurse, standing before me with a fright- ened face. " She has a dreadful fever, sir, and we can't quiet her; won't you come and see her?" " Has she been asleep at all ? " I asked. " Yes, ever since," was the prompt reply. I found my patient burning with fever, and talking incoherently; her cheeks crimson, and her eyes bril- liant. She was suffering from the bruise on her head principally, although her side, the nurse informed me, was dreadfully hurt. She was quite unable to move without help, and, while I held her hand in mine, her ravings became worse and worse, until at last, Mrs. Ferris, who all this time had sat near her, rose with a frightened expression of face and withdrew to a part of the room some distance from the bed. Strange to say, my patient became gradually more calm, and at last sank into an uneasy sleep, out of which I charged them on no account to disturb her. Mrs. Ferris took up a book ; and, leaving word to call me when she wakened, I with- drew to my own room. In half an hour I was sent foi 38 DR. WILMEE'S LOVE. again ; she was worse than ever, and as I entered the room I felt sure that I detected a faint odor of brandy ; still there was no sign of it whatever about the place. " Did she waken in this condition ? " I asked. " Yes, sir," was the ready answer. " You have given her brandy," I said, looking full in the nurse's face. " What was that for ? " "She always takes it," answered Mrs. Ferris. "It was ordered for her, and I thought, in her weak state, that it Avould be wrong to omit giving it to her." " She was in no condition to take a stimulant," I an- swered ; " you should not have given it without consult- ing me. That accounts for the state she is in now." " I am very sorry," Mrs. Ferris said, " but we have become so used to treating her according to the rules given us, that I never thought of it doing her any harm." " It must not occur again," I said sternly ; " her con- dition is a very critical one, and if I assume the respon- sibility of it, my directions must be followed without any deviation whatever." "'Of course they shall be : the mistake was a careless one ; but you know, we don't understand just what to do," Mrs. Ferris answered, looking very sorrowful and anxious. " Will you want this ? " asked the servant, putting a large vial of laudanum before me. "Is she accustomed to using it?" I asked, very quietly. IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ABE STRENGTHENED. 39 "Oh, yes, sir, she takes it constantly; she would never rest only for it," was the answer. " The opiate I have given her," I said, " is quite suffi- cient for the present, and remember on no account must you give her any thing without my advice." Again I left the girl asleep and comparatively easy. At supper-time she still slept, and Mrs. Ferris appeared at the table, and afterward went out for a short walk with Mr. Parker, according to my advice, leaving her daughter under the care of the nurse and myself. I managed it very well altogether, for I sent the servant to a distant part of the room, telling her that she had been too much confined that day, attending on her charge ; and then sat down quietly to look at my poor patient, and ponder the chances for her life. I came to the conclusion that they were very slight indeed. -The naturally delicate organization had been fearfully prac- tised upon. If I could only keep her long enough under treatment for her fall, to permit of her mind becoming stronger, it might be possible to prove ill-usage on the part of the step-mother, and take her out of her power ; as she was, such a proceeding was beyond all possibility. Mrs. Ferris and Mr. Parker had every thing their own way, and were quite conscious of the fact. If this state of things were to continue very long, the girl would soon become a helpless imbecile. Thinking over these things,J looked up, to find my patient lying awake, Avitli her eyes fixed on my face. " I remember you now where am I ? " she asked, in 40 DR. WILMER'S LOVE. a voice too low and weak to be heard by the nurse, with her head out of the distant window. " You are in your own room, and you remember see- ing me this morning after you fell." " No, no, I have seen you some place before." She thought a moment, and then a bright smile broke over her face and lit it up. " I know now the night papa died, and afterward, one day in the street." " You must not let either your mother, or anybody else that you see here, know that you remember me," I whispered. "Spenk very low the nurse is in the room." " I understand you," she replied. " Oh, if you could only know what I suffer ! They make me drink things that set me wild, so that I don't know what I am say- ing or doing ; people think I am insane, you know better. Please take me away from them." " If you will do as I tell you, and try to grow strong, that is the only w^ay before you. I can do nothing without your help, and I must be able to prove that you are perfectly sane before I can take a single step for your benefit." "What must I do?" she murmured. "Why did papa leave me to her ? She hates me, and always did." " Yes, but she deceived him completely. You must stay here as long as you can ; don't let them think that you can walk or be removed. Make the most of your fall until your mind is steadier ; don't walk till I give you leave." IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ARE STRENGTHENED. 41 The handle of the door turned at this moment, and I put my finger to my lips. She closed her eyes as Mrs. Ferris entered. Mr. Parker evidently had his part to play ; to the mere spectator he was only an admirer of Mrs. Ferris, not at all interested in her unfortunate daughter. Having explained to her how much better her child was, and left directions for her treatment during the night, I went out for a stroll in the fresh air, perfectly astonished at what had just passed. After all those years, this child had known my features ; my name she probably had never heard. I concluded that her mind was still strong enough to insure a perfect recovery, much more so than I had dared to hope, and that her wild fits were the effects of the stimulants they made her swallow. How long I remained out I don't know ; I thought of schemes and plans without number by which to circumvent the designs of this extraor- dinary woman, who had surely sold herself for the coveted prize, her husband's entire property. Going back to the house, I looked in on my patient. She was sound asleep. Mrs. Ferris was reading, and the nurse was sewing, so I retired to my room satisfied with the course of events. The next morning Miss Ferris was much better, but quite unable to walk. I left orders for her treatment that day, and then went out for a long ramble, feeling sure that she was safe for a short time from further attempts on her mental health, owing to the remarks I had made ; and wishing, besides, to lull all suspicions of what I might think that would naturally arise in such cunning minds. I knew that, once they suspected me of understanding or doubt- ing them, iny power was lost forever. Thus matters went on for some days, and that they were afraid of me I saw clearly. Miss Ferris still remained unable to walk, but her eyes were soft and natural, and I knew that she was improving fast, altogether too much so for them. "We had been too closely watched to allow of any private conversation together, and so, a quiet pres- sure of her hand, and a significant glance every time I felt her pulse, were all the secret signs of our counter- conspiracy that we could venture upon. In speaking to her, I spoke as if tt> a person of weak mind, and loud enough for all in the room to hear me. One day, about two weeks after her fall, I went into the room and found her sitting in an arm-chair near the window. Her hands lay idle in her lap, and the whole expression of her face was one of intense weariness and listlessness. As she saw me, it suddenly changed to a bright, eager one ; every feature was lit up with intelli- gence, while a smile, beautiful in its effect, dimpled for a moment her flushed cheeks. For the second that it lasted she was again the same pretty child who had thrown me that bright glance years before; the next moment Mrs. Ferris came in, and my patient sank back the listless, weary victim, I was accustomed to seeing. " Why haven't you a book ? " I asked quietly, as I took her hand and sat down beside her. Mrs. Ferris IN \VHICH MY SUSPICIONS ARE STRENGTHENED. 43 standing thinking in a distant window, did not hear the question. " I can't read," was the answer ; " I have had no teacher since papa died." " Is it possible ? " I remarked, almost unconsciously, in my surprise. " Is it a wonder that I am nearly crazy ? But for you, and what you have promised me, I would feel like doing again what I tried a short time ago. Sometimes I am mad when I think of myself, and the terrible trap I am in ; then again, I feel that there is no hope for escape, and I long for death to end this misery. Mrs. Ferris will tell you that they are the two phases of my insanity, as she tells every one that sees me." My poor child," I said, "only be patient. Try and control yourself, and I will do all that I can ; see how much better you are already for these two weeks of rest." " Yes, but how long will it last ?" She put her hands over her face and cried softly, completely overpowered by the sense of her own hope- less, helpless position. Mrs. Ferris, attracted by the sound, now came tow- ard us with a sharp glance at me. u Miss Ferris has been too much alone," I remarked, " she is dispirited with her long confinement in this room. We must try and get her out for a short time; the change will be good for her." The sharp look changed to one of studied concern. Mrs. Ferris put her arm round the shrinking figure. 44 DE. WILMEE'S LOVE. " We must take her for a ride, doctor, if you think she will be able, this afternoon." " By all means," I said, " and repeat it every after- noon, if this does not fatigue her too much." Miss Ferris now looked up, and Avith a few cheerful, encouraging words, I bade her " good-morning." For three or four days after that interview I was un- able to secure a word alone with my patient ; the watch was sure, though unobtrusive. However, she steadily improved, and rode out every afternoon, her mother beside her in the carriage, her nurse opposite. At last, one morning, having made my accustomed visit, Mr?. Ferris followed me out of the room, and having thanked me for my attention and skill, asked for my account. I was not surprised ; it was just the move I anticipated. Having complied with her request, my visits to Miss Ferris ceased, and our old positions were resumed. Miss Ferris, however, was very quiet when at the public table, acting very much as those around her did, and now and then we interchanged a few words on general topics; but once the meal was over, I only caught glimpses of her for the rest of the day. Mrs. Ferris, on the contrary, took particular pains to talk to me, and always met me with a fascinating smile and an agreeable manner, never leaving me without going over what I had done for her dear child, and thanking me again and again for the visible improvement in her health, caused by my skilful treatment. One fine morning Miss Ferris did not come down to Df WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AEE STRENGTHENED. 45 breakfast. " She was not at all indisposed," her mother said, " only tired and unwilling to make any exertion." Her breakfast was sent to her, and after walking irreso- lutely up and down my room, debating some means of obtaining an interview with her, I took my hat and left the house, passing purposely the window generally chosen by Mr. Parker and Mrs. Ferris for their daily council of two. They saw me, as I intended they should, and as I raised my hat Mrs. Ferris bestowed on me one of her most fascinating smiles. I remained out a longer time than I had intended, for, rambling along, cogita- ting many things in my mind, I lost my way, and in trying to retrace my steps I came upon so many new beauties of scenery, wild flowers, and artistic effects, that I forgot myself in my almost childish delight, and remained contemplating them, entirely unmindful of the time that was passing away. At last I reached the hotel tired out, and sat down for a rest in the hall-way. My communicative friend, the waiter, coming along with the gong in his hand, gave me an inquisitive look before he commenced his artistic efforts on its surface. At last, having given the concluding touch with a graceful flourish of his arm, he drew near me and caught my eye. " They're all gone, sir." " What ! Who are all gone ? What do you mean ? " I asked, struck by his remark. " Why, Mrs. Ferns and her sick daughter; they left just after breakfast." 4:6 DE. WILMEK'S LOVE. For a moment I was too much surprised to speak ; at last I found understanding and breath at the same time. " Where did they go ? did you hear ? " " No, sir, not a word ; they did it all very quickly and very quietly," was the answer. " Who took them to the station ? " " One of our men ; he is in the stable now." "Did you notice Miss Ferris, whether she looked strong ? " I asked. " She had such a thick veil on, sir, I couldn't catch a sight of her face, but James says that he knows she didn't want to go, because she cried all the way to the cars ; however, as the poor thing is mad, perhaps she didn't know where she was going, or what she was cry- ing for." I didn't answer this last proposition, but went to the stables in search of James. I found him in the centre of a group describing how he drove " the poor young woman that was out of her mind entirely," to the cars, and how they had to lift her in by force, while she kept calling on the doctor to save her. Seeing me, James lowered his voice at once and came forward. I drew him aside, and learned that the trunks had been checked through for New York. This was all I cared to hear. I started for Buffalo that afternoon, arranged for a longer absence than I had at first intended, and leaving my shooting and fishing apparatus in care of Mrs. Marks, I took the first train going east, with a bitter feeling of having been outwitted very cleverly. I heard IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AEE STRENGTHENED. 47 of them all along the route till we reached New York ; there I lost them. In that busy, noisy, rushing place, a small party, probably divided on purpose, would attract no notice whatever. My first point was Mr. Master's office, so I put up at a quiet house, looked out his number in the directory, and then started for the place. I found no one in but a nice-looking lad of fourteen, who was dusting out the place. He told me that Mr. Masters had been travel- ling all summer, and was not expected home till Novem- ber ; Mr. Price, his partner, would attend to any thing I might have to say. Here was a dilemma. Of what use could Mr. Price be to me ? Probably he had never heard of Mrs. Ferris. I explained that it was private business, to which Mr. Masters alone could attend. " Well, he could give me an address, but it was very unlikely that the letter would ever reach Mr. Masters, as he was never in one place for any length of time." There was a pile of letters, directed to Mr. Masters, on his private desk, awaiting his return. However, I de- termined to risk it, and so I wrote a short, distinct account of what had taken place during the few weeks just past, recalled myself to his memory, and begged of him to return at once to New York, where I would await him. Having directed it, I posted it at once, and then commenced a general search at every hotel and boarding-house in the city likely to contain Mrs. Ferris and he* unfortunate step-daughter. CHAPTER HI. IN WDICn MY SUSPICIONS ARE COSTFIRMED. . FOR three weeks I spent my time as follows : visit- ing Mr. Masters' office, only to learn " that he was not at home nor had they heard from him ; " examining hotel registers, going to every house that contained any one named Ferris, according to the directory ; and peering into every carriage and under every bonnet that I met in my long walks. All without success ; I was becom- ing thin from anxiety and disappointment. The boy in Mr. Masters' office must have concluded that I was a harmless sort of lunatic. At first he condescended to answer my inquiries, and proposed Mr. Price as an ad- viser. Finding his counsel of no use, he gradually ceased in his attentions to me, until at last, he would look up from his occupation as I would open the door, shake his head in anticipation of the usual question, and then return to it without bestowing on me another glance. Fortunately for myself, I had recognized, one evening, in a gentleman standing on the steps of the St. Nicholas m WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ARE CONFIRMED. 49 Hotel, an old chum of mine, Harry Weston by name, who was on from Richmond for a few weeks of New York entertainment. "We spent an evening together very often, comparing experiences, and amusing our- selves with reminiscences of old times. In my anxious state of mind I was always glad to meet him, for being a light-hearted, merry fellow, without a care in the world, he generally relieved me of a portion of my de- spondency, and succeeded in imbuing me with some of his own buoyancy of spirit. One morning, in the early part of November, I opened the door of Mr. Masters' office, and looked up in anticipation of the usual negative shake to which I had become so accustomed. To my joyful surprise, there at his desk sat Mr. Masters, looking very fresh and ruddy, as though his vacation had agreed with him. He was so intent on a letter which he held before him, that I had advanced almost to his side before he looked off it and glanced at me. I held out my hand and asked him, " Do you. remem- ber me?" He hesitated a moment, as if trying to place me ; but the instant I mentioned the name of Ferris, a bright smile broke over his face, and he grasped my hand with a warmth of manner and a word of welcome, that no doubt astonished the office-boy, who happened to be the only witness of the scene. "You are the very man of all others that I want- ed ! " he exclaimed. " You find me puzzled to death over 3 50 DE. WILMEE'B LOVE. a letter from our old acquaintance Mrs. Ferris. It would take me a month to tell you of the life she has led "me these last six years. What do you think she has done now ? I have been trying for three years to see Arthur Ferris's child, without success. Here is a letter in which she tells me, ' that her poor unfortunate child is in such a broken state of health, that it is necessary to take her to Europe for two or three years,' and she is gone a month ! This letter has been lying here all that time." I was so shocked, that the expression of my face caught the old gentleman's attention. " There is something the matter," he said ; " you suspect something what is it ? " I told him what had brought me to New York, and detained me in the city so long. The effect of my story was terrible on him. All at once the plot lay clear before him. For years she had so managed, that Mr. Masters had never once seen his ward. Now she had taken her completely out of his reach, as there was no direc- tion given in the letter to which he could write; the apology being, that her plans were unsettled, and that as soon as possible she would communicate with him again. I read her letter over and over very carefully. It was cautious, and apparently perfectly open in its tenor. She explained that Arabella's health was very unsatisfactory ; that she had travelled all over the coun- try to benefit her, but without success, and that a cele- IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AEE CONFIRMED. 51 brated physician of Buffalo, whom she had consulted, had at once recommended a sea-voyage, and a residence iu the south of Europe, until her health should be com- pletely reestablished. On arriving in New York she had been unable to see him (Mr. Masters), but Mr. Par- ker, whom she had consulted all through the affair, ap- proved of the plan. She would have awaited his return, but in view of the rapidly failing strength of her daughter, she had been obliged to waive all her own wishes, and think only of Arabella. The perfect plausibility of the letter made my heart sink within me. How long would the child live where there was no human being to take her part, or stand between her and her two unscrupulous guardians? "What might they not attempt and accomplish ? We two men sat looking at each other in the little office, conscious of the misery and suffering before the poor girl, and utterly powerless legally to save her out of their hands. At last Mr. Masters looked up with a faint ray of hope breaking over his face, and spoke : " My wife and I will start for Europe at once ; she is used to travelling, and likes it. It won't take us any time to prepare for the voyage. If it is possible to over- reach that woman and conceal the child for three years, until she is of age under her father's will, I shall take the responsibility on myself; in such a case as this, de- ception becomes a virtue." "Had we not better find out whether or not Mr. Parker is with them ? " I asked. 52 DE. WILMEE'S LOVE. " That is the first move," was the reply. " I shall go now and decide the question. Will you dine with me this evening, and explain your views of the case to my wife ? I should like her to hear "it from your own lips ; and in the event of our being successful in gaining pos- session of the child, we had better form some plan for her protection with your assistance." I agreed to his proposal with pleasure ; so he handed me his card and we parted I going up-town, and he to Mr. Parker's place of business. While passing up Broadway, I felt a hand laid on my shoulder, and turn- ing, met Harry Weston's bright eyes and pleasant voice. "Why, Jack, you're looking a hundred per cent, better than you did yesterday. Has she consented ? or has the board declared a dividend?" " Xeither the one nor the other ; but Mr. Masters has returned the gentleman I have been waiting so long to see." " Well, the sight of him has had a very good effect upon you. I start for home to-morrow evening. To- morrow morning, I think of joining a party on a visit to some of the city institutions. Will you come ? " I hesitated for a moment. " Now don't refuse, Jack ; the air and scenery will do both of us good. Of course, as far as the institutions and. their inmates are concerned, there is not much nov- elty about them. Such misery is only too common and familiar to us. However, I can promise for the party IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ABE CONFIRMED. 53 being a pleasant one, and you shall have an introduc- tion to three of the prettiest and most agreeable girls in the world." The allusion to the three " prettiest and most agreea- ble girls in the world," recalled to my mind the form of another girl, who, under happier circumstances, might have been ranked in the same category. Seeing how grave and preoccupied I was becoming, my companion drew my arm in his and turned the conversation on other topics. By the time we had reached his hotel, his genial manner had produced its usual effect upon me, and I had promised to meet him at the house where the pleasure-party would assemble, by ten o'clock the next morning. That evening I kept my appointment with Mr. Masters, and was introduced to his wife, whom I found a pleasant, warm-hearted little woman, if any thing too impulsive ; she having formed already in her own mind some impossible scheme that she was very impatient to accomplish without any further discussion. We sat till a late hour, a council of three, planning ways and means. Scheme after scheme was proposed, and abandoned as impracticable. Mr. Masters had as- certained that Mr. Parker had been out of the city for over a month, and was not expected home at any given time. So we concluded that he was not far removed from Mrs. Ferris and her charge, wherever they might be. Mrs. Masters remembered the year of Miss Ferris's birth ; and having brought down from a high shelf of the bookcase an old portfolio, she took a letter out of it 54 DE. WILMEK'S LOVE. which contained an allusion to the circumstance, and the day of the month on which it had occurred. " She was seventeen the 5th of last September," the good little woman announced, laying her glasses on the table, and pushing the old letter toward me. "And she won't be of age until the day she is twenty. Two years and ten months of misery if she lives, and if we don't do something at once to take her out of that woman's power," remarked the old gentle- man, in a determined tone of voice. " This happens to be the 5th of November," I ob- served. " Yes, and we can't sail for a week. I couldn't pro- cure a passage to-day in next Saturday's steamer for love or money," Mr. Masters said, impatiently. " Well, well, Joseph, don't fret. It may be all for the best," Mrs. Masters observed, with a bright smile directed toward her husband's face. He was walking up and down the room with quick, impatient steps, annoyed at the delay and inactivity forced on him by circumstances. Catching the smile, he stopped to caress the good, kind face raised to his, and remarked: " Ah, Sallie, if we could all possess your faith and patience ! " When leaving, he invited me to stop at his house during the remainder of my stay in the city, proposing that I should wait and see them off for Europe. As we had arranged that he would keep me informed of every IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AEE CONFIRMED. 55 thing that might transpire during his absence, I declined the invitation, and made up my mind to start for home the next night, feeling that I had neglected my patients long enough, and could be of no further service to Mr. Masters. The next morning I presented myself at the appointed time and place, met my friend, and was introduced to a number of young people, whose manners and appearance quite astonished me. They were dressed in the gayest colors ; feathers, ribbons, and ornaments of the most showy and, to me, extraordinary kind, danced and flashed in all directions. They laughed, they chattered, they appeared to enjoy every second of time to the very fullest extent. The pinning on of a veil, or the knotting of a ribbon in a becoming style, seemed to be the only care in life, the very summit of their ambition. They treated me most politely, no doubt for my friend's sake ; paid me every attention, and listened with deference, and bright, attentive looks, to all my remarks. Before many hours passed, I became convinced that the light spirits, which had at first appeared to me exaggerated and assumed, were really natural and usual to them. I concluded that the fault, and need of something, I could not tell what, lay in myself. In fact, my youth was gone, with all its light-hearted ness and lack of care. My profession was a saddening one in its effect, taken at its best, and, joined to my natural disposition, had served to make me graver and more thoughtful than most men of thirty-four. Besides, want of means had 56 DE. WILMEK'S LOVE. kept me out of company when young, and by the time that want was no longer felt, society had lost for me all its attractions. Thus it happened that I stood on the deck of the little steamboat, in the midst of this merry party, with the feeling at my heart of not possessing one thought in common with them. The " three prettiest and most agreeable girls in the world " were standing at a little distance off, looking at the scenery, and passing remarks on every object that attracted their attention. Harry Weston stood, partly leaning against the railing of the deck, listening and answering, his bright face all sparkling with pleas- ure and animation. He gradually drew me into the conversation, which now turned on the islands, and their respective buildings just coming in sight. " Cousin Edith says that she will not go inside the doors of the Lunatic Asylum, Mr. "VVeston," observed one of the three girls, a tall, stylish-looking young lady, \vith flashing eyes, and a bright smile that displayed two beautiful dimples. " Indeed, Mr. "Weston," replied the young lady re- ferred to as cousin Edith, " it would be no pleasure to me at all. I should like to see the grounds and build- ings for the sake of knowing that the poor creatures are well cared for; but as to looking at human misery in that form, oh ! I couldn't do it ; it makes me shudder even to think of it." "Papa says that they don't allow visitors to see anything very disagreeable I believe only those whose IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ARE CONFIRMED. 57 insanity takes a mild form, and who are perfectly harm- less monomaniacs I think he called them. Those who are dangerous are kept apart in some other building." " Yes, Edith," remarked the third young lady, " and Uncle William insists that plenty of them are no more insane than we are. He says that their relatives place them there, very often, because they are poor and in- firm, and not able to support themselves ; and as it is a city institution, and free, it relieves them of all ex- pense" " But, Carrie, how can that be ? Surely the physi- cian in charge would not receive them unless they had some form of insanity," asked Miss Edith, unconvinced. " Well, he thinks so. What he means is this : they may be a little weak on some one point, and perfectly harmless ; of course, if they were rich, it would be parsed over and concealed, or else called eccentricity ; but being poor, it is made an excuse for putting them out of the way, where they can give no trouble." " Do you believe what Cousin Carrie says ? " asked Miss Edith, with an appealing look at Harry Weston. " 3!ost decidedly," was his reply. " The private asylums throughout the country contain many such cases. If people in good circumstances are unwilling to take charge of their relatives so afflicted, we can hardly wonder if those of a lower rank in life take ad- vantage of this free institution to rid themselves of such a responsibility." Miss Edith Fullerton looked shocked, and Harry 3* 58 DE. WILMEE'S LOVE. quickly began speaking on some other subject. When it was time to go on shore, he placed her in my charge ; and during our stay in the different buildings, I was pleased with her sensible, well-chosen remarks, and sur- prised at the interest she exhibited in every thing shown us. The day was fine and sunny, and remarkably warm for the season. Every thing in nature was perfect, and exhilarating in its effect, tending to make the heart sad- der as we wandered through these huge edifices telling of crime and degradation, and gazed on their wretched inmates. We were a large party, gay and merry in spite of all these fearittl surroundings. How almost impossible it is to bring the miseries of others home to ourselves ! My companions laughed and chatted on, looking with curious eyes at the figures, in convicts' garments, pass- ing and repassing, as if they belonged to another world and order of being. As we left the workhouse, accompanied by the warden, we came upon a procession of women on their way to it. My companion shivered, and clung closer to my arm as we stood aside to let them pass. Would any one believe that they had ever been young, ever been innocent, and yet some of them had not reached their eighteenth year ! Just as they had been taken off the streets the night before, and placed in the station-houses, they were put on the boat in the morning and sent " to the island." They passed before us with lowered heads, the personification of moral degradation. IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AEE CONFIRMED. 59 " They look upon this as their home," the warden remarked, in answer to some observation that I did not hear. " The same ones are sent here over and over again. You see they have no home nor character, they can't find work, nobody will have any tiling to do with them ; so as soon as their time is up, and we send them, back to the city, they begin to drink and fight on pur- pose to be put up again." " And can nothing be done for them in this large city, so full of churches and benevolent societies ? " asked Miss Fullerton. " Surely there are ways by which a reform could be effected." " Well, there are several clergymen doing their best to be allowed to visit here, and I hope they will succeed in their efforts. Some such influence is sadly needed, but you have no idea of the difficulties attending such a work. The evils they will have to contend against are beyond description. Where the moral degradation is so complete, an appeal to the reason becomes impos- sible ; you can only hope to reach them through their feelings, and they have grown so blunted by neglect and misery, that how to touch them is a question. They have lost all faith in humanity, and they have no knowl- edge of a higher Power." The warden spoke feelingly and with emphasis, sin- cerely deploring the wretchedness which he had neither power nor authority to ameliorate. We pursued our way toward the lunatic asylum, admiring the grounds and the situation of the various buildings connected 60 DE. WILMEK'S LOVE. with it. On reaching the entrance, we were met by one of the assistant physicians, who politely offered to show us through the building, and explain any thing that we might like to understand. Miss Fullerton refused to enter the place, and proposed remaining in a small summer-house, that had caught her attention, standing not far from us in the midst of a flower-garden. Find- ing it impossible to overrule her objections, we left her admiring some plants not yet out of bloom, and pro- ceeded on our tour of inspection. We were shown one hall, with little dormitories opening out of it, in -which were a number of women of various ages. Some were singing, others sewing, many walking back and forth with quick, decided steps, clasped hands, and bent heads. They appeared to be engaged in deep thought, but we were assured that their minds were quite vacant, their understanding gone forever. A few attempted to at- tract our notice, but entire indifference to us was almost general ; they had, no doubt, become quite accustomed to being gazed at by parties of gayly-attired, sight- hunting visitors. The place was scrupulously clean, light, and airy, and they appeared to be furnished with means for occupation and amusement. On our way out we stepped into a little museum, supplied by good-heart- ed contributors with many interesting curiosities, in- tended for the amusement and instruction of the afflicted inmates of the institution. While there, Harry Weston entered into a conversation regarding the social condi- tion of the people committed to the asylum. The young IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ABE CONFIRMED. 61 doctor was very explicit and communicative on the sub- ject. He informed us that the head physician had made insanity his study for years, and was considered the very highest authority in that branch of his profession in the country. For that reason, people of wealth and position often intrusted their relatives to his care, be- cause, while his skill was undisputed, he could have no object in detaining them longer than would be necessary in order to effect a cure, the institution being a chari- table one. In private asylums, the temptation to pro- long a patient's recovery was not always resisted. " Then you discharge the person as soon as you con- sider him or her perfectly recovered ? " said Harry. " Yes, there is no object to us in keeping them here, they are only an expense to the city. If they are in- curable and poor, they remain here, or we send them to their relatives if desired ; of course, we have no power to detain them, if their own people are able and willing to take charge of them. In many cases they are left with us by persons apparently well off, whom we never see or hear of again. Poor, harmless creatures, who might as well be cared for at home as far as their being dangerous is concerned, but then they are a trouble, and so they end their lives here with us. There are some who have been here over twenty years." The announcement that we "just had time to reach the steamboat," broke off the conversation at this inter- esting point, and gathering up shawls and parasols we listened down to the entrance, just beyond which stood 62 DE. WILMEE'S LOVE. Miss Fullerton, looking very pale and thoughtful. She put her arm in mine without speaking, but as soon as \ve were out of the garden and on the road she gave a quick glance around her and said abruptly : " I believe now what Cousin Came said. There was one of the prettiest young girls I ever saw, gathering flowers in the garden, and from the way she spoke I believe she is just as sensible as I am." " Probably she is one of the doctor's family I be- lieve they reside on the island," I said. " Not at all ; she told me that her own people had placed her here, and that she feels happier here than with them, as long as she is allowed to go about and amuse herself alone with the flowers ; but she thinks it is dreadful to be put among those who are really insane at other times." " I think," I remarked, " that it is a symptom of in- sanity, that of believing one's self sane, and all around us mad." " I only wish you had seen her, as it is impossible for me to convince you that she is perfectly rational." "She may be a monomaniac, and you, probably, didn't touch on the subject likely to arouse her. W;is she quite young ? In that case there may be hopes en- tertained of her complete recovery." " I should say, if asked, that she was about sixteen ; she is very childish both in manner and appearance, and I never saw such eyes except in a picture." Miss Fullerton sighed, and we pursued our way tow- IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ARE CONFIRMED. 63 ard the steamboat landing in silence. The little she had seen appeared to be quite enough for her, and had visibly affected her spirits. We reached the boat and were about seating ourselves comfortably on deck with the rest of the party, when she suddenly exclaimed : " Oh ! Dr. Wilmer, I have lost my shawl and parasol. I must have left them on the bench in the summer-house, for I don't recollect having them since." The shawl was a large, extra one, provided in case of the weather becoming colder on our return trip. I had carried it on my arm all the morning, but curiously enough had neither missed it nor thought of it after leaving the asylum. " I shall have time to find them," I answered, and I made my way off the boat and up the narrow road as fast as I could. As it happened, I met no one who appeared to be employed in any official capacity about the place, and I hastened toward the summer-house, trying to catch a glimpse of the bright-colored object of my search. I had my hand on it when I heard a rustling sound, and a cry of joy, and the next second Arabella Ferris was clinging round my neck, breathless with surprise and delight. I don't know what I said, I know that I sank on the bench, and clasped her in my arms, completely overpowered by emotions that I can neither explain nor express. When I looked up she was sitting with clasped hands, her soft eyes fixed on ray face, and an expression of perfect faith and peace on her own. That my pres- 64: DK. WILMER'S LOVE. ence was all-powerful for her release and protection was her firm belief. I sat looking at her without speaking. What to do was the question that I was resolving in my mind. Moments were precious, a wilt plan flashed through my brain and I determined to risk its attempt. She was dressed in a dark material not unlike what Miss Fullerton wore, and her hat lay beside her on the ground. I folded the shawl and fastened it on her in a way to hide her dress, drew her arm in mine, opened the parasol and held it over her head as we left the summer-house. Once outside, I glanced around ; no one was observing us that I could see, and we walked through the garden toward the road leading to the boat-landing. We had gone but a short way when we saw the boat out in the river, steaming in the direction of the city. My com- panion hitherto had not spoken ; she only followed my directions and clung to my arm firmly, endeavoring with all her strength to keep her trembling steps up with mine. That she was very weak I could tell by looking down at the thin, white hand grasping my arm. Now, when I stopped short in the road, disap- pointed and almost despairing, she looked up suddenly, and exclaimed : "I know what to do: come to the boat-house, and the 'admiral' will take us across the river in the row- boat." I looked surprised. " What do you mean ? who is the 'admiral?'" ,,IIc belongs here, and has charge of the boat ; very IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AEE CONFIRMED. G5 frequently visitors go over to the city that way ; I often sit and watch it going across." She had turned, while speaking, in the other direc- tion, and we Valked as rapidly as possible toward the northern end of the island. It did not take us long to reach our destination, a little boat-house, near which, in the water, lay a boat about pushing off. It contained several gentlemen who had been inspecting the island, and who were, fortunately for us, returning to the city by this agreeable way. Catching sight of us, ah old man who stood in the boat, touched his hat, a most comical affair, ornamented with faded artificial flowers, and waited for us. He assisted Miss Ferris into the boat, and the gentlemen politely made room for us among its cushions. The old man with the ornamented hat gave an order in an important nautical tone of voice, as if his little sail-boat were a three decker, and then seated himself at the helm. The next moment we were gliding through the water toward the opposite bank. My companion had sunk on the seat in an al- most fainting condition ; the mere hope of liberty was enough to excite her at any time ; now that the hope seemed about to be fulfilled, she was completely over- come with joy. Feeling afraid, lest one of the gentle- men in the boat might belong to the institution, and recognize her, I sat with one arm round her waist supporting her, and the other holding the parasol over her face. The gentlemen, who were all very stout and ruddy looking, talked without ceasing on various sub- 66 DE. WILMEE'S LOVE. jects, mostly political ones. My attention was more or less attracted by them, and I felt rather 'amused than otherwise at some of the opinions they expressed. After a while they all lit cigars, and began discussing a dinner-party about coming off on one of the islands. They became so interested on the subjects of salmon, turtle-soup, and champagne, that I turned without feel- ing any further uneasiness to my companion and the consideration .of her position. She was too we'ak and frightened to utter a word, and I tried to reassure her, and imbue her with the courage necessary to a success- ful termination of our adventure. We were rapidly approaching the shore, when I observed with dismay a small party of gentlemen awaiting our arrival. They were standing on a platform, or kind of piazza, at- tached to a public house that stood on the bank front- ing the river. Their voices and merry laughter were wafted toward us by the wind, and attracted the atten- tion of the gentlemen in the boat. A number of loud salutations now ensued, among which the words " doctor " and " governor " were very distinct. In the midst of it all I felt Miss Ferris trembling, and, looking at her face, saw that it was white with fear. "That is the doctor who is talking; I know his voice. What shall I do ? please don't let him take me back again ! " Her voice was so low that I could hardly catch the meaning of the words. Just then we touched the wharf, and the men put out their hooks and steadied the boat alongside for us to land. IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AKE COOTIKMED. 67 " Courage," I whispered ; " don't give up yet, we are nearly safe." The gentlemen sprang out first, and up the wooden steps, joining the other party at the top of them. Here was a dilemma. It would he rather a difficult matter to pass, unobserved by the vigilant doctor, this watchful group. One gentleman came to my rescue ; who he was I have never found out, but I owe him many thanks. I was assisting Miss Ferris out of the boat, painfully conscious of the glances fixed on us, yet not daring to let her observe my fears, when he called out, in a full, cheerful voice : " Come, gentlemen, we are not going to part this way ; let us have a bottle of wine." The next minute he had turned in the direction of the house, fol- lowed by the whole group. To lift Miss Ferris up the steps, and half carry her across the platform, was the work of but a few moments. The carriage, in which the doctor and his party had driven out from the city, stood in the street, near the side of the public-house. The driver, who was preparing to return to the city, jumped off his box with alacrity on observing my signal, and opened the door. I lifted Miss Ferris into it, gave him the direction of Mr. Masters' house, and then threw myself back on the cushions with a long-drawn sigh of relief. That over, I made a pillow of my overcoat and put it under my companion's head ; wrapped Miss Ful- lerton's shawl around her, and enjoined strict silence. She slept very quietly after a little while, and I sat watching her, with curious emotions, caused by mingled 68 DK. WILMER'S LOVE. joy and thankfulness, swelling in my heart. It was a long and, to me, entirely unfamiliar road, which we traversed that chilly November evening. Anxiety on Miss Fer- ris's account, without doubt, made it appear even more tedious ; and, when at last the driver stopped his horses and opened the door to announce our arrival at our des- tination, my fears for her had increased alarmingly. Miss Ferris, though still sleeping, was talking incohe- rently and burning with fever. The driver rang the bell of the house, and as soon as the door was opened, I car- ried her up the steps, through the hall, and into the par- lor, where sat Mr. and Mrs. Masters awaiting the an- nouncement of dinner. They started from their chairs on seeing me, and heard with speechless amazement my first words : " This is Miss Ferris. Don't ask me any thing," I continued, " until she is in bed, and don't wait a mo- ment, but get a room ready for her at once." Mrs. Masters hurried away without another word, and her husband stood looking with tearful eyes at the slight, wasted form on the sofa before him. Miss Fer- ris lay regarding him with a curious expression of half recognition on her face. From him her eyes wandered to me, and she murmured the words, " Don't leave me." " You are safe now," I said, soothingly ; " you are with your father's old friends. They will take care of you." Mr. Masters by degrees brought himself to her recol- lection, and she listened with a smile on her face while IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ARE CONFIRMED. 69 he talked over days long since passed away, when she had sat on his knee, and eaten candies out of his pocket. I let him talk on, knowing that it was necessary for her to fully trust in and love these kind people, the only ones to stand between her and her dreaded step-mother. She was Mr. Masters' god-child as it turned out, and had always been very fond of him in the old happy times before her father's death. So he chatted on, bring- ing to mind various pets and toys that she had owned, and different little expeditions to bookstores and candy- shops that they had undertaken together. Listening to them, I began to question whether it would not be bet- ter to take up the threads of her life just at this happy point, from which they had been so cruelly turned away, and by never mentioning what had passed in the last six years, try to make her forget all its later miseries. She had been, on the whole, a happy little child; in knowledge and feeling she was one still. She knew nothing of books, her whole study for six long years had been the characters and impulses of the two women who had controlled her life during that time. Of that phase of human nature her experience was a sad and minute one. She might live to an old age, and never meet with it again. When Mrs. Masters came back, she found Miss Ferris sitting up, with her hand in Mr. Masters', smiling at the story of some childish prank of hers that he was telling. The good woman took the young girl into her heart at once, kissing her and almost crying over her. 70 DK. WJLMER'S LOVE. Seeing that her fear of these new friends was dissipated, I at once prescribed rest, and no more talking. How- ever, I had to promise to go up and see her before leav- ing the house, so as to satisfy her mind, and then she went away, with Mrs. Masters' motherly arm around her, and a servant with a very good-natured face fol- lowing them. Mrs. Masters sent us down word^ that she could not think of leaving the poor child, at least until she slept, so we dined without her ; and I gave Mr. Masters a circumstantial account of my day's adven- tures. The good man was more astonished than even I had been. That Mrs. Ferris should trust the child out of her own keeping seemed incredible to him. I accounted for it easily enough in my own mind. She had no doubt come to the conclusion that making away with the girl, by the means that I had discovered her using, was a highly dangerous undertaking one open to a great risk, and not very easily accomplished. There was no fear of any one that she knew ever meeting the child, or recognizing her, in a lunatic asylum, provided for the poor and friendless of another class. Besides, she had left her to live or die there, careless of which it might be. She had abandoned her entirely, feeling quite sure that release was impossible except by death ; a result very probable, as in case she did not sink under physi- cal weakness, the blue waters were spread out on all sides around her inviting her to bury her cares forever in their depths. Mr. Masters was inclined to think that IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AEE CONFIRMED. 71 Mrs. Ferris would communicate with the head physi- cian, and learn in time of her daughter's strange dis- appearance. I held to the contrary opinion ; but Mrs. Masters came down, and having heard all the particulars, agreed with us, that Miss Ferris should be removed from the city as soon as she was able to travel. It was best to be prepared for all emergencies, Mr. Masters thought, and it was necessary to conceal the fact of Miss Ferris's existence in the United States, for at least two years and ten months. "The day she reaches her twentieth year, Doctor Wilmer, will be a merry one for us. "We shall have a jollification of some kind, as sure as my name is Joe Masters." "I only hope she will be alive on that day, and I shall be satisfied," Mrs. Masters answered, with a dole- ful look and an ominous shake of her head. Mr. Masters gave me a questioning glance. " Miss Ferris is not strong," I said, in answer to his eager gaze in my face ; " but I don't think she is any worse than when I saw her in September. Now she has a bright prospect before her, and that will do more to restore her to health than any thing I could prescribe." " You must understand her constitution better than any doctor could that we might call in," remarked Mr. Masters ; " still, if you would like a consultation " " It will not be necessary," I answered. " Her ner- vous system is terribly weakened; rest and freedom from all excitement, and especially from all recollection 72 DE. WILMEE'S LOVE. of what she has suffered, are positively required. I should advise, after a little while, taking up her educa- tion just where she left it off, and treating her exactly as you would a child. If it be possible, let her have her girlhood, with all its innocence, and freedom from care and knowledge of the world." " I don't think it would ever do to send her to a boarding-school," said Mrs. Masters ; " the girls would laugh at her ignorance, and increase her nervousness." "And we can't keep her here," Mr. Masters replied. "If Mrs. Ferris hears of her escape, we shall have a whole force of detectives watching every movement we make. Come, doctor," he went on, " concoct some plan for hiding the young lady, and at the same time providing the means for educating her properly. She will have the spending of ten thousand a year, and she must be prepared for the position she will occupy, if all goes well." I sat lost in thought, debating a point in my mind. I had formed a plan, and it seemed a feasible one, and yet I was diffident about proposing it. I was question- ing my own motives in regard to it. " Out with it, doctor ! " cried Mr. Masters ; " you've thought of something, I can see that by your face. That is a wonderful head of yours for strategy. Come, don't be bashful let us hear it ! " So I explained to him that my mother and sister were living alone in a very quiet little village near Albany ; that the house was roomy, and the neighbor- IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS ABE COOTT1EMED. 73 hood all that could be desired ; that my sister had been educated for a teacher, and had been a very success- ful one for many years, until our mother's health failed, and it became necessary for her to undertake the man- agement of the house. Before I was half through, Mr. Masters was shaking my hand, and declaring that noth- ing could be better; Mrs. Masters was equally delight- ed ; and it was agreed that I should write at once to my sister, and make all the proper arrangements. On going up to visit my patient, I found her asleep, with the good-natured-looking servant keeping watch beside her. Promising to return and finish my stay in New York at Mr. Masters' house, I started for Harry "VVeston's hotel, and caught him just about leaving it for the cars, his valise in his hand and his overcoat on his arm. He was surprised and delighted to see me, they all hav- ing concluded that I was on the island for the night. "But what have you done with yourself?" he ex- claimed, giving me a long look. "I never saw such a change in a man as that sail has made in you ; it was very effective. Upon my word, Jack, you do me credit I shall put that down among my wonderful cures." " Harry," I said, " if you will have patience for three years, I will let you into a secret. It is not my own, or you should know it now." "So you want to make me believe that it is some stupid secret, and not my sail, that has affected you so powerfully. Come, Jack, don't be jealous of my supe- rior skill; but remember, three year* from to-day I shall 4 74 DE. WILMEK'S LOVE. come North and hear your wonderful mystery." I ac- companied him to the cars, and having procured Miss Fullerton's address, bade him a hearty " good-by." On returning to Mr. Masters' house, I heard that my patient was awake, but delirious. True enough, meeting me so unexpectedly, and escaping so success- fully when almost despairing, had been too much excite- ment for the weakened nerves and brain. We passed a terrible night, listening to her curiously mingled ra- vings. Niagara, her fall, and our few conversations together, were inextricably confounded with her journey to New York, her arrival at the lunatic asylum, and her escape from it. Mrs. Masters listened attentively and cried bitterly over the sufferings and cruelties she had endured ; and Mr. Masters had to go down to the parlor, where he vented his rage against Mrs. Ferris, Mr. Parker, and Susan, in a most audible manner. The weary ravings at length were hushed, and Miss Ferris slept a quiet, refreshing sleep. In the afternoon of the following day I called on Miss Fullerton and requested permission to keep the bright shawl and fringed para- sol, as mementoes of the preceding one. They are hanging up now, in an old cabinet not very far from where I sit writing. I rather think that, at the time, Miss Fullerton thought, very naturally, that I had not succeeded in finding them; however, she don't think so at present. For two weeks I remained at Mr. Masters' house, and while my patient slowly regained strength of mind and body, Mrs. Masters superintended the cut- IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AEE CONFIRMED. 75 ting out and fitting of a most remarkable wardrobe, which from its extent and costliness must have slightly turned the heads of the quiet villagers for whose benefit it was afterward displayed. Mr. Masters had gone up the river, seen my mother and sister, made all the arrangements, and was now en- gaged in sending numerous articles up there, destined for the use and comfort of his adopted daughter. Among the rest was a magnificent piano-forte, whose grandeur quite eclipsed the old one that stood in our quiet parlor, and whose tone and volume delighted my sister. When at last I decided that my patient was able to travel, my sister came down to New York, and was introduced to her future pupil. The change that a few weeks of happiness and freedom from care had effected in Miss Ferris, was quite remarkable. I felt rather amused at the surprise exhibited by my sister on seeing her; she had no doubt formed a very good idea of her from my first letters, but I had not thought of telling of the alteration which had since taken place in her health and appearance. Therefore, when Miss Ferris came into the room, with light steps and eyes shining with pleas- ure, dressed in a rich dark silk, with soft lace shadow- ing her neck and arms, and her hair falling around her in long, bright curls, she quite astonished my sister, who was totally unprepared for such a pretty vision. The next moment, to the still greater surprise of that quiet lady, Miss Ferris threw her arms around my neck, and kissed me, exclaiming 6 DE. WILMEES LOVE. " How long you have been away ! Oh, I am so glad to see you ! " Then she turned, and was introduced to her new teacher and guardian, going through the ceremony in a very different manner, she having a morbid dread of all strangers. When we were alone again, my sister expressed her surprise at such strange behavior on the part of a young lady of seventeen, and took me to task for permitting it and appearing pleased with it. " You forget," I remonstrated, " that Miss Ferris is a perfect child in all but years, and acts impulsively as her feelings prompt her. She has had such a bitter ex- perience thus far, that it would be cruel to check the few childish qualities remaining with her. Mr. and Mrs. Masters were delighted to find her exhibiting some of the gayety, and if you will call it so, silliness, natu- ral to her age." My sister laughed, and patted my arm. "John," she said, "to hear you talk, one would think you were about eighty. Don't play you are so old, at least, until you look it. It would never do for Miss Ferris to lose her heart to you, and just at present you are the first object in her thoughts. She makes no secret of the fact ; it shines in her eyes, and shows in all her actions." " Which proves exactly to Avhat the feeling amounts," I said. " It is gratitude, and childish admiration. Being the first one to protect her ; she naturally clings to me, IN WHICH MY SUSPICIONS AEE CONFIRMED. 77 and invests me with qualities that I do not possess. At present I am her hero ; it will not last very long. Three years from now, when she is prepared to take her place in society, young, beautiful, and fascinating, her feeling for me will Ibe the same only modified ; enthusiastic admiration and affection you may call it, but certainly not love." "And would you have it otherwise, John?" my sister asked. "Remember her wealth, and the differ- ence in age between you." "Exactly so," I answered. "When she is beginning life, surrounded by all the influences that render it at- tractive, I shall be a gray-haired, old doctor, poring over my dusty books, and going my usual rounds with- out a thought of any thing outside of my profession." " Ah, John, if you would only marry some nice girl suited to you in age but there is no use in proposing such a thing to you. You are a more confirmed old bachelor every time we meet." And my sister left me, without having penetrated or even suspected my secret. CHAPTER IV. IN WHICH MBS. FEEEIS MAKES A MOVE. MY sister spent several days in the city, making necessary purchases of books, drawing-materials, music, and so forth, calculated to make a very learned woman out of my innocent little patient, who still ran to meet me whenever I came in after being away for some hours. Mr. and Mrs. Masters had become so attached to their .ward, that considerations for her safety alone could have induced them to part Avith her. A warm feeling of affection was already forming between her and my sister, so that they appeared to regard each other as friends rather than as teacher and pupil. I almost envied my sister the pleasant task of cultivating the talents, and forming the tastes of this young girl, whose naturally ardent temperament and inquiring mind had received new force, and were asserting them- selves in a high degree. We formed a very pleasant, very happy party, and, notwithstanding the coldness of the season, thoroughly enjoyed our sail up the Hudson to Albany. We found my mother anxiously awaiting IN WHICH MRS. FERRIS MAKES A MOVE. 79 us, and prepared to give us all a warm welcome, espe- cially Miss Ferris, for whom her deepest sympathies were excited. The latter danced about the house, ex- amining with interest all her new possessions, and prom- ising to be very good and patient in making the best use of her time. I explained to her that neither of her friends could visit her often, and the necessity for this precaution. She acquiesced silently in all our plans, and promised to be as happy and contented as she could. However, in spite of all her good resolutions, she parted from us very reluctantly, and the last glimpse we had of her, as we drove away, she was leaning against the gate, crying bitterly. I returned to my house and practice, to the great delight of my patient and much-enduring professional brother who had so kindly performed my duties throughout my long absence. To say that the house was duller and gloomier than ever, does not express it. It was only by throwing off all recollections of the weeks just passed, and pursuing my work with re- doubled energies, that I could at all content myself in my chosen mode of living. The secret which I had hid from others was torturing me. I had made up my mind to bury it, and in time overcome it. A matter easier to imagine than to accomplish. In spite of her wilduess, her misery, and her ignorance, Miss Ferris had taken possession of my whole heart. If I had loved her in all her wretchedness, her present altered condition had not served to lessen the passion. As she had been, some 80 DK. WILMEK'S LOVE. wild Lope of one day possessing her had seized upon me. When I pictured her to myself as she would be at some future day, not very far off, I felt the hope fade and die out of my heart. " The feeling must be over- come," I said to myself; " action and study will drive it away." But it was not overcome ; nothing I undertook had the power of dispelling or modifying it. So I car- ried it about with me as a memento of something past and done with, and allowed no ray of hope to shine upon it, or color it with aspirations which could never be realized. My sister corresponded with me regularly, and spoke in glowing terms. of her pupil's progress. From Mr. Masters I received monthly bulletins, telling of Mrs. Ferris, and the means she was taking for Arabella's complete restoration to health. The old gentleman's letters were perfect studies. Mrs. Ferris little knew the amount of enjoyment afforded us by her long, care- fully-worded communications. Mr. Masters quoted from them largely, and added Ins own criticisms. I came to the conclusion that the dear old man was growing younger on account of them. Meanwhile he forwarded to her all the money required for her daughter's support, as calculated by her, and kept a memorandum of the same in his desk. Fortunately for Miss Ferris, her money was completely under the con- trol of this good old man, and. Mrs. Ferris had never interfered in the management of it, fearful of exciting suspicion against herself. These accounts of Miss For- LST WHICH MKS. FERRIS MAKES A MOVE. 81 ris's health, transmitted from various cities in the south of Europe, were quite curious and very well planned. Sometimes she had improved so much, that Mrs. Ferris felt very sanguine about her ; then again, she would sink visibly, and cause them great uneasiness. The charges for medical advice were surprising, and far ex- ceeded any thing of the kind ever heard of before, at least by me. My sister's reports, on the contrary, were all that could be desired ; and Mr. Masters, who frequently went up to see her and her pupil, always concluded his letters to me with a postscript, thanking me for the wonderful plan that I had suggested. He also was in the habit of informing me that " little Belle's progress in music was quite astonishing." As I had left my sister strict injunc- tions to watch Miss Ferris's health, and give me accurate reports about it, I was able to gather from a comparison of the two accounts a very good idea of how she lived and spent her time. Evidently she was very happy, childlike, and free from care. " To her past troubles," my sister wrote, " she never alludes, and I don't think that her mind reverts to them at all, she has so many new occupations, and they are all so strange and novel to her. As for mother, I shall soon become jealous for she is completely wrapped up in the child." Occupied by my duties and other cares, the winter passed by almost imperceptibly to me ; and I remember being surprised, one day in spring, at finding some early violets peeping up from a hedge by the roadside. Dur- 4* 82 DK. WILMER'S LOVE. ing the summer which followed, I returned my friend's kindness, and took charge of his affairs while he enjoyed a long vacation. I had made up my mind to resist, for a while at least, all temptations, and therefore refused my sister's repeated invitations for "just one week's pleasure of my company." I was trying to determine if the old maxim, " Out of sight, out of mind," held good in my case, but thus far it had decidedly failed in doing so. I had even accepted numerous invitations during the winter just past, and had been introduced to many beautiful and accomplished girls, rich in all the attrac- tions that wealth, beauty, and knowledge bestow on their happy possessors. Even while listening to their soft voices, and catching the merry glances thrown on me from their bright eyes, I would find myself compar- ing with them, almost unconsciously, the slight form and delicate features of the one so constantly in my thoughts. Recollections of a voice whose tones were still sweeter, and of eyes whose loveliness none could equal, would come over me at all times and in all places, filling my heart with hopeless longings for that which was so impossible to attain. But for my professional duties, which were at that time very much increased, and their great responsibility, I do not know what would have become of me. 3Ir. Masters and his wife did not leave the city that sninmer, as Mr. Parker had suddenly reappeared in New York, exciting their fears by his curiosity and watchful- ness. He had given some plausible excuse for his long IN WHICH MKS. FERKIS MAKES A MOVE. 83 absence from his business, and professed complete igno- rance of Mrs. Ferris's movements, after having placed her and her daughter under the care of the captain on whose ship they had sailed for Europe. He was very particu- lar in examining all the papers and deeds connected with his ward's property, and expressed himself in terms of great satisfaction at. the result of some of Mr. Masters' investments, complimenting him very highly on the manner in which he was discharging his trust. His sur- prise at the large sums asked for by Mrs. Ferris, for the support of her daughter, was well affected, and quite amused his suspicious partner, who was rapidly forming a very unfavorable opinion of this joint guardian of Miss Arabella Ferris. In September Mr. Parker again left New York, and my friend, Doctor Miller, for whom I had been doing duty, returned to Buffalo. Another winter passed away, during which Mrs. Ferris's letters continued in the same strain, and my sister's became more and more extrava- gant in their descriptions of the beauty and talents of her interesting pupil. How little my sister guessed of the fresh torture given me by every letter of hers that I received ! How little she would have understood the contradictory passions they stupcd.up within my heart ! I exulted in the idea that my conception of Miss Ferris's powers of mind had not been a mistaken one ; I gloried in the thought that she had so totally overcome the dis- advantages of her childhood, and was realizing all my fondest hopes, and yet yes, it must be acknowledged, 84: DK. WILMEE'S LOVE. I felt that the barrier between us was each day growing wider and deeper. I must endeavor to subdue these foolish fancies, and be content to see her, loving and be- loved, the wife of some younger man, one more suited to her age and temperament than I could ever hope to become. I reasoned, or rather tried to reason, myself into the bejief, that after a few yeafs I should be quite willing to settle down into the position of a trusted friend, respected and loved as such, with my chair at the table and my place by the fireside, happy at the sight of her happiness, and resigned to the conviction that another, and not I, was the cause of her peace and contentment. Before another September came, I had almost made up my mind that my feelings for Miss Ferris had as- sumed this quiet, passionless state, and I concluded to take a trip east and see my friends. As nearly two years had gone by in the interval, I anticipated a very warm reception, and determined not to tell them of my expected visit, but to enjoy their pleased surprise. One sultry afternoon, in the first week of October, I opened the gate of my mother's pretty front garden, and saun- tered up the pathway toward the window of the little room in which she usu^ly sat at work. Looking in, there she was, knitting a soft, white stocking, destined for my next winter's comfort. My sister sat on a low chair near her, sorting seeds into various little papers laid on the carpet before her. I looked around the room in vain for the other figure, which, I am afraid, generally IN WHICH MRS. FERRIS MAKES A MOVE. 85 occupied the chief place in the home pictures I was so accustomed to forming in my imagination. Overcoming the disappointment as quickly as possible, I raised my- self by means of my hands to an old position of mine on the window ledge quite a favorite one in my boyish days and bade my mother and sister " Good- afternoon." The next minute their arms were around me, and be- tween hugging and kissing I at length reached the floor in safety, while they stood, breathless with surprise and delight, looking at me. " How well and handsome you are looking, John ! " exclaimed my sister, pushing my hair away from my forehead ; and then, as usual, throwing her arms around my neck and leaning her head against my breast, with tears of joy standing in her eyes. My dear sister, she believed I was a hero and we had not met for two long years. " I shonld like to know when John didn't look hand- some, the dear boy ! " my mother answered, giving me a glance of mingled love and pride from the soft, clear eyes that had always met mine thus lovingly. " It's well I only let you see me at long intervals, or you would spoil me. What would my patients say if they should behold their dignified Doctor Wilmer being hugged and kissed to such an extent, and hear him called ' a der boy ' ? Consider my age thirty-six, am I not, mother ? " " Nonsense, John ! never mind your age ; " and my 86 DR. WILMEE'S LOVE. mother kissed me again, calling me her own " dear, dear boy, no matter how old I might be." " John," said my sister, " all this time you have never thought of asking after Belle." Hadn't I, though, my dear, unsuspicious sister ? " Where is she ? " I asked. " Gone down to the village, to see one of her friends who has been very ill for two weeks. She goes to sit an hour or two with her every afternoon." " I miss the child very much," remarked my mother ; " but it is pleasant for her to know some nice young people ; she would feel it very much if deprived of their society." " Why should she be deprived of their society ? " I asked. " Well, there really seems to be no reason why she should not enjoy their little parties and gatherings ; but you know how it is Mr. Masters is so afraid of her be- ing recognized, that we have to be very careful about where she goes, and with whom she meets." " Mr. Masters is perfectly right," I said. " The con- sequences would be dreadful ; in another year she can go where and meet whom she likes." " She is not remarkably fond of society," my sister said, "and when she took a fancy to Pauline Lecount I was delighted. Pauline is so very bright and gay, she infects every one that comes under her influence with some of her own lightheartedness." " Is she the only child in the family ? " I asked. IN WHICH MKS. FEBEI8 MAKES A MOVE. 87 " Oh, not at all ; there is an immense family of them, any number of brothers and sisters. I believe a new one turns up every week or so, that has been spending a year with some relative or another ; and these relatives appear to live in every State of the Union." " Quite a family they must be," I said ; " does Miss Ferris only fancy one of them ? " " Oh, she likes them all more or less ; but Pauline is decidedly the favored one of the lot. They are of French descent, and I suspect their means are rather limited. Mr. Lecount is a lawyer, and one of his sons is in the office with him. They are very talented and sociable, and cultivate such pleasant home amusements ! I often wish they were rich; for as it is, they are very hos- pitable, and every one likes to visit at their house." " Yes," went on my mother, taking up the subject where my sister dropped it. " Belle told me last night that there was another brother home on a visit that she never saw before. He practises law in Philadelphia, and very seldom has an opportunity of seeing his family. It must be a very pleasant thing," mused my mother, "to own such a fine set of children, all out in the world doing for themselves, and still coming back every now and then for a sight of the old home and their parents. Now the girls might all help, there are four of them, but the old folks are too proud to let them try. I wanted one of them to teach Belle French, but when I spoke of payment, the old lady blazed up, and said that she was willing to have Belle 88 DR. WILMER'S LOVE. join them in their French readings, and conversations, but ' Do it for money ? oh ! no ; it was hard enough for her sons to have to work, the girls were ladies, and no matter how poor they might become, ladies they should remain.' I pity their old aristocratic ideas in this republican country. Of course, the girls expect to marry well, and BO they ought, handsome and accom- plished as they are ; but suppose they don't, what will become of them? The young men will marry, and although Mr. Lecount owns his place, what would it be, divided among so many ? Veiy foolish, very foolish of them indeed ! " concluded my sensible republican mother. While she had been giving vent to her opinions of the Lecounts, I had retaken possession of the window- seat, and, although listening to her words, had been watching with interest two persons coming along the road toward the house. One was a young man of twenty-five or six, tall and well-proportioned, with an easy, graceful carriage, and glossy black curls, shaking and shining under the broad-brimmed, low-crowned hat that he wore. He was pulling a rose to pieces, leaf by leaf, while talking earnestly to the young girl walking at his side. This young girl's face was concealed from my view by the broad leaf of her straw hat, the crown of which was ornamented with natural flowers, evident- ly picked from the basket half full of them that she carried on her arm. She had on a soft, full, white mus- lin dress, ornamented at the neck, waist, and wrists by ix wmcn MRS. FEEKIS MAKES A MOVE. 89 knots and ends of lilac ribbon. It was looped up over a shorter under-skirt with more ribbons of the same delicate shade, displaying two very pretty little feet, cased in the most elaborately trimmed boots that I had ever seen. To my surprise, they stopped at the gate, and, while he opened it, she invited him. to enter the house and be introduced to Mrs. and Miss Wilmer. I recognized the clear, sweet voice at once; this pretty vision, then, coming tripping up the path, was no other than my once wearied little patient, so tired of life and all its miseries ! At present, the bright side was turned to her, tinged with its fairest coloring. She was much taller, and her figure had become round and graceful in the two years that had passed since I left her, leaning over the gate with tears in her eyes, watching our de- parture. She stopped in the path to point out a car- nation pink to her companion, and my sister,, catching sight of her, remarked : " There is Belle now, and that must be the brother from Philadelphia ; I have not seen him since he was a schoolboy. Shall I tell her that you are here ? " " No, don't," said my mother ; " let us see how she will behave. Latterly, she has hardly mentioned you to us ; either your continued absence has offended her, or else she has gradually lost her interest in you. The first year she was with us she talked of you incessantly, and longed to see you every week as impatiently as a child of six years would; indeed, though she is nineteen now, I don't know any child more innocent and impulsive." 90 DE. WILMEE'S LOVE. " That poor young fellow seems entirely fascinated," said, my sister, turning from the window ; " I only hope lie won't put her down for a perfect little flirt." "Why should he?" " Why ? Simply because she is so childish, that she is pleased with every one she meets, takes their atten- tions, becomes interested in them, and tries to make them as happy as possible. Claude Lecount has lost his heart to her, and she thinks no more of him than of any of his brothers. As for teaching her prudence, it is out of the question. Mr. Masters thinks her perfection, and begs of us not to let her understand the world and its ways. Of course, to us, who know all the circum- stances, her manner is not unreasonable or unnatural ; but could you convince a young man, brought up in a large city like New York, that a young girl could reach the age of nineteen, in this century, and remain so innocent as she is? Certainly not; those two broth- ers will be at daggers' points about her in a week, and will mutually agree in the end that she is a fin- ished flirt." My sister's prophecy was suddenly cut short by hearing the hall door open, and the next moment Miss Ferris stood on the threshold, ushering in Mr. Louis Lecount. She did not see me at first, as I sat on the window-seat ; and while introducing her escort in her pretty, original style "Mrs. Wilmer, this is Pauline's brother Louis " she removed her hat, thereby display- ing her bright eyes, and a mass of curls shading them IN* WHICH MRS. FEKKIS MAKES A MOVE. 91 and her throat. Crossing the room to hang up her basket, she suddenly saw me. For a second she stood pale and mute with surprise ; the next, she had her arms round my neck, laughing and crying for joy. Mr. Louis Lecount looked rather astonished, while my sister tried to explain what great friends we were, and how we had not met for two years. The young gentleman rose after a few minutes, and took his leave, promising to call again. I quite admired his good taste, particu- larly as Miss Ferris had become almost unconscious of his presence in the room, and was sitting near me, with beaming eyes, pouring out question after question rela- ting to the circumstances which had prevented me from coming home for such a " long, long time." I found it difficult to make excuses for my absence, it being impossible to tell her the real one ; and sitting thus, looking into her clear, truthful eyes, and listening to her sweet voice as she met and put aside, as utterly ridiculous, my best arguments, I felt that my good reso- lutions had all vanished, and that, instead of having overcome my foolish love, it was mastering me more strongly than ever. I determined to shorten my visit ; it would be misery to see her happy in the attentions of these two young men, one of whom would probably succeed in gaining her 'heart. If I were older, I might be enabled to view it all witli the best wishes for her happiness, and without a regret for my own disappoint- ment ; if I were younger, I might enter the lists as a rival of these two attractive admirers. As it was, my cause 92 DE. WILMEE'S LOVE. was hopeless. Would she have run into my arms, every feature lit up with joy and affection, had she regarded me otherwise than as a dear friend, holding to her the place of an uncle or an elder brother, who could ^appre- ciate these marks of love without placing too high a value on them, or in any way misunderstanding them? Decidedly, her feeling for me was the same as it ever had been enthusiastic, demonstrative, unconcealed ; but it did not satisfy me. Its very exhibition only caused me to draw comparisons between it and the expression of that deeper sentiment for which I longed in vain. Thus, while she exerted herself to make me happy, and talked unreservedly of the progress she had made in all her studies, and of the heavy debt of gratitude she owed me, she unconsciously added to the weight of bitterness that was overpowering me. "We had wandered into the parlor, where her books and music were scattered about ; and my sister was busy preparing supper in the other room. Miss Ferris drew my attention to a stand of exquisite flowers in one of the windows. Turning to make a remark about them, I was surprised to find her leaning against the wall, with her face hidden from me. Something dejected and strange in her attitude struck me, and I bent to catch a glimpse of her face. She was crying silently, in the old way that I had so often noticed at Niagara. " What is the matter, Belle," I asked ; " what troubles you ? " " I can't tell ; I am silly, but you are so changed, so m WHICH MES. FEBKIS MAKES A MOVE. 93 cold and distant did I offend you ? " As she spoke, she put her little hand on my arm, and looked in my face with the old sorrowful expression in her eyes. What was I to do ? put aside all ideas of honor tell her how I loved her and accept from her deep gratitude the assent not prompted by her heart ? No, better she should think me cold and indifferent, than that such a sacrifice should be made; better be misjudged, than cause her any future unhappiness. So I only took her hand softly in mine, and assured her that she had not offended me in the least, and that she must make a little allowance for my surprise at finding so much alteration in herself. " You have grown into a young lady," I went on in a jesting tone, though I had never felt more sad in my life, " and I left you quite a child ; are you sure you are quite strong now and happy ? " " Yes, very strong ; my head never troubles me, and I am so happy that sometimes I tremble lest it should not last. Every time I see my dear guardian I feel more and more what it would be to have my step-mother dis- cover me. I would rather die than go back to her treat- ment. Do you know that I count the days as they go by, and time flies too slowly for me ! There are ten months yet to come before I can feel free and at ease." " But you are safe here ; certainly out of danger of any recognition by your old friends and acquaintances. This is such a quiet place, people never come here for either business or pleasure." 94: DK. WILMEK'S LOVE. " Very few, but still one would "be sufficient, provided that one was a friend of ours. It would all be done in- nocently, because nobody knows what you do. All our acquaintances thought that Mrs. Ferris was ' passionate- ly attached to her little daughter.' How often have I heard that expression, while standing or sitting in the room with company ! It always made me shiver, and once I had an indistinct idea that 'passionately at- tached' was only a fine expression for 'hate' indeed I had." " And what idea have you about it now ? " I asked. " I don't like the expression at all ; it always meant so little to me, that even now, when Pauline Lecount tells me that she is passionately attached to this or that person, I can't feel that she cares for them at all." "And is she 'passionately attached' to you?" I asked. Miss Ferris smiled, and colored slightly. " Yes," she answered, " that is what she says, and she told me last evening, as a great secret, that her brother Claude was " " Was also passionately attached to you is it not so?" I expected another blush, but, instead of coloring or looking down, Miss Ferris raised her eyes to my face, and clasped her hands on my arm. "You know it don't mean any thing, and if you are sure that you are not angry with me, I will tell you just what I think.' ; IN WHICH MKS. FEKEIS MAKES A MOVE. 95 I shook my head at her, and she went on in her old childish way, smiling and sighing in turn, as her heart prompted her. " I like Pauline, and I like your sister and mother, and I am very sure that I like my dear guardian and Mrs. Masters ; how can I help loving them ? think of all I owe them, all they have done for my happiness and as for you, I can't tell you how I feel toward you. Noth- ing I could do or say would repay you for all the care you have ta^en of me. All I can do is, feel your good- ness, and think of you alway. Do you know that I can sit quiet and see before me, just like a 'series of pictures, every thing that has happened since I first saw you the night my father died? You don't know how I have longed for you to talk to in these last two years ; I had ever so many questions, written out, that I' wanted you to answer. I always feel that I can be as childish as I like with you, and say just what conies into my head first. You will not misunderstand me, I am sure." " No, never," I said gently, longing, as I looked at her, to stroke the soft curls that fell on her neck. No wonder she thought me c